Gene Hackman's Wife Betsy Arakawa's Body Had Signs of 'Mummification' When Discovered— Here’s What That Means

Mar. 15, 2025

On Wednesday, Feb. 26,Gene Hackmanwasfound deadat age 95 in his New Mexico home along with his wife, 64, who was a classical pianist, and one of their pet dogs.

The deputy advised the male decedent also showed obvious signs of death, similar and consistent with the female decedent.

Mummification occurs when dead tissue turns into a hard shrunken mass, often from dehydration. When an individual dies, the body starts naturally decomposing almost immediately. Natural mummification can occur in dry, hot environments.

In Arakawa’s case, only her hands and feet were dried out.

Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa.DMI/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock

DMI/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock

Artificial mummification can be achieved through a number of processes like embalming, wrapping the body, etc. Ancient Egyptians used mummification to preserve the body after a person died.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

According to the search-warrant affidavit, thedeaths of Hackman and Arakawa are “suspiciousenough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.”

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office toldTMZthatThe French Connectionstar and his wife’s bodies hadbeen in their home for at least a daybefore deputies found them deceased.

source: people.com