Gene Hackman’s neighbors admit they barely saw him
Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead at their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on February 26. While initial reports suggested no foul play, investigations have raised some suspicions.
Hackman, 95, was found in a mudroom, partially mummified, and Arakawa’s body was discovered in the bathroom next to pills. Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth, speculated carbon monoxide poisoning, though tests from the Santa Fe Fire Department and New Mexico Gas Company found no evidence of a gas leak.
Sheriff Mendoza reported that Hackman’s pacemaker recorded its final heartbeat on February 17, indicating that was likely the day of his death. Neighbors, including James Everett and Bud Hamilton, noted that they rarely saw the couple, with Hamilton having dinner with them only once in 20 years. Longtime local Harvey Chalker recalled meeting Hackman, who preferred to keep a low profile.
