Found dead in their home: Mummification signs discovered on the body of famous actor Gene Hackman's wife

12punto FOREIGN NEWS

The bodies of 95-year-old Gene Hackman and his 64-year-old wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were found in their home in Santa Fe, USA, on February 27. Emergency teams arriving at the scene noted that the couple's dogs were also dead. Following the couple's death, an investigation was launched on suspicion of 'homicide.' An autopsy was performed on the bodies of Hackman and his wife for a full examination. Authorities detected signs of decomposition on Arakawa's body during the autopsy. According to the sworn statement of the officer requesting the search warrant, swelling was observed on Arakawa's face, and signs of mummification were seen on her hands and feet.

According to a report published by the National Institutes of Health, the complete mummification of a human body can take weeks or even months. This process can vary depending on factors such as dry air, good ventilation, solar radiation, and high temperatures.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office stated in its announcement regarding the incident that the bodies of Hackman and Arakawa had been in the home for at least one day. Authorities announced that the couple's deaths were suspicious in nature and that a comprehensive investigation had been launched. The Sheriff's Office added that the investigation is actively ongoing.

WHAT DOES THE SIGN OF MUMMIFICATION MEAN?

Mummification is known as a process that occurs when dead tissues harden and shrink due to dehydration. This condition can often occur naturally in dry and hot environments. Artificial mummification, on the other hand, is a body preservation method used in ancient civilizations, particularly by the Egyptians.

Signs of mummification were observed only on Arakawa's hands and feet. The search warrant declaration stated that Hackman also showed similar signs of death as his wife. However, no further details regarding the incident have been shared yet.

Authorities are continuing their efforts to clarify the causes of the couple's deaths.

WHO IS GENE HACKMAN?

Gene Hackman is an American actor and novelist. Born on January 30, 1930, Hackman began his career in the 1960s. Hackman became one of Hollywood's most respected actors, particularly between the 1970s and 1990s.

He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Detective Jimmy 'Popeye' Doyle in the film The French Connection (1971). In 1992, he received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the film Unforgiven.

His other notable films include The Conversation (1974), Superman (1978), Mississippi Burning (1988), Crimson Tide (1995), Enemy of the State (1998), and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001). He retired from acting in 2004 to focus on writing novels. Throughout his cinema career, he was known for portraying tough, authoritative, but sometimes ironic characters.

News Source: 12punto