The passing of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, has left fans in shock. Their tragic deaths at their Santa Fe, New Mexico home have sparked a wave of speculation after police admitted to a major crime scene error. What was initially deemed a non-suspicious incident has now taken a turn, raising more questions than answers.

As new details emerge, conflicting reports about Hackman’s final days and the circumstances surrounding the couple’s passing have only deepened the mystery. Friends and family have provided contrasting accounts of his health, and a crucial mistake in the police report has cast doubt on the initial findings. Let’s break down everything we know so far.

The Initial Discovery: A Tragic Scene Unfolds

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were found deceased in their home last week, alongside one of their dogs. Police were quick to rule out foul play, stating that the deaths appeared to be natural. However, as investigators continued their work, they discovered a major error in their initial report—one that has now led to further scrutiny.

According to authorities, the couple’s bodies had been there for several days before being discovered by maintenance workers. The conditions of their remains suggested they had passed away some time prior, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

Video: “Active investigation”: Police reveal new details on Gene Hackman and wife’s death probe

Conflicting Reports About Hackman’s Health

Friends of the couple have painted a heartbreaking picture of Hackman’s final months. Longtime friends Daniel and Barbara Lenihan, along with their son Aaron, described the actor as increasingly frail and homebound.

Daniel shared that Hackman had been mostly confined to his house, while Barbara noted he had stopped riding his bike around the neighborhood about a year ago. She revealed that his health had been in steady decline, especially in the last few months.

Aaron added that Betsy had done everything possible to keep her husband engaged, incorporating daily puzzles and yoga into his routine. “She was still trying to keep him as active and healthy as possible,” he said.

However, Hackman’s daughter, Leslie Anne, disputed these accounts. Speaking to TMZ, she claimed her father had been in good physical shape before his passing. “He liked to do Pilates and yoga several times a week, and he was in good health,” she stated.

Police Admit to a Crucial Crime Scene Mistake

In a bizarre twist, investigators admitted they had misidentified the deceased dog found at the scene. Initially, police reported that the dog was a German Shepherd—leading many to believe it was the couple’s pet, Bear.

However, an animal chiropractor who had worked with the family revealed that Bear was actually alive. The police later corrected their report, confirming that the deceased dog was Zinna, a 12-year-old Australian Kelpie mix.

This mistake has raised serious concerns about the accuracy of the initial police report. If such a crucial detail was misreported, what else might have been overlooked in the investigation?

Unanswered Questions: The Mystery Deepens

Despite the assumption that the couple died under natural circumstances, certain findings at the scene suggest otherwise. Authorities noted that Hackman and Arakawa were found in separate rooms, an unusual detail for a couple known to be inseparable.

Hackman was discovered in the mudroom, with his sunglasses and walking cane nearby, while Arakawa was found in the bathroom. Officers also noted the presence of various pills in the bathroom—enough to warrant further investigation.

Adding to the mystery, preliminary autopsy reports found no external trauma on their bodies. Initial suspicions of carbon monoxide poisoning were ruled out after toxicology tests showed no trace of a gas leak.

Video: Gene Hackman death: ‘No significant findings’ of gas leak in home

Authorities Continue to Investigate

With so many questions left unanswered, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office is pushing forward with its investigation. Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that authorities are working to determine an exact cause of death, analyzing all potential leads.

“We’re being thorough with every detail,” Mendoza stated. “At this point, we are considering all possibilities and will continue to gather evidence.”

The fact that the couple’s bodies were in a partially mummified state has complicated the case further. Investigators believe they had been deceased for several days before being found, making it more difficult to determine the timeline of events.

The Legacy of Gene Hackman

As the world waits for more answers, Gene Hackman’s death marks the end of an era. The two-time Academy Award-winning actor was known for his powerful performances in classics like The French Connection, Unforgiven, and Mississippi Burning.

In recent years, Hackman had stepped away from the spotlight, choosing to live a quiet life with Betsy in New Mexico. His passing has left fans mourning not only the loss of an acting legend but also the mystery surrounding his final days.

Conclusion: A Case That Raises More Questions Than Answers

The tragic deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa have taken a surprising turn as police admit to a major crime scene mistake. From conflicting reports about Hackman’s health to the misidentification of their dog, the investigation has been riddled with errors and uncertainty.

While authorities insist that foul play is not suspected, the unusual circumstances surrounding their passing continue to fuel speculation. As detectives work to uncover the truth, the world watches closely, hoping for answers about what really happened in the final moments of this beloved Hollywood couple.