Gene Hackman dead at 95: Iconic actor and wife, 63, are found dead with their dog at Santa Fe home.

[PrairieWind]

Dog likely died of starvation then, would suggest they have been dead quite a while

It would have died of thirst more likely or heart attack from stress. Very sad to think about regardless.

 

[Sarahlou]

The wife could of had health issues or was feeling unwell, and went to take medication from the bathroom, but suddenly died, knocking everything over as she fell. Gene unfortunately after not seeing her for sometime, attempts to find her and has a fall he can't recover from. As someone suggested, one of the dogs manages to open the door, jmo

It would be a very unfortunate series of events but this makes the most sense to me out of all the scenarios.

 

[vls12345]

I hope the two remaining dogs find a good home together. They have lived through a traumatic time together.

 

[Cedars]

I guess the main possibilities at the moment would be:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Overdose / Gene not having appropriate care as a result
- Tragic accident in which both had accidents simultaneously, or as a result of rushing to get help for the other?
- Joint suicide? (very unlikely IMO)

You're not including murder-suicide?

I see it as a possibility. Why were the dogs shut in a closet in the bathroom?

Who ever shuts dogs in a closet?

ETA, there were two dogs in the closet, one died...

 

[LaborDayRN]

Not throwing shade but I'm still a little uncomfortable with the New Mexico PD after the "Rust" case. JMO

 

[HmmMysterious]

You're not including murder-suicide?

I see it as a possibility. Why was the dog shut in a closet in the bathroom?

Who ever shuts a dog in a closet?

Ikr why was that dog locked in there and not the other ones? Seems to me this was more of a sudden event. A murder-suicide would've included all of the dogs imo.

It sounds strange, but maybe the couple placed the dog in its kennel due to behavioral issues. This is only imo

 

[Bahshudc]

You're not including murder-suicide?

I see it as a possibility. Why was the dog shut in a closet in the bathroom?

Who ever shuts a dog in a closet?

No, I'm going by the police's statements re no sign of foul play. If there's more evidence to suggest this then I would certainly consider it. As of now there's little to suggest anybody else was inside the home. It's only been a day, though. Nothing is certain. I just don't want to imply either of the victims is a potential murderer of the other, as right now they are being reported as victims only. MOO.

 

[BrianJohnson]

Ikr why was that dog locked in there and not the other ones? Seems to me this was more of a sudden event.

It sounds strange, but maybe the couple placed the dog in its kennel due to behavioral issues. This is only imo

I am guessing the dog that died is a family pet, the other 2 dogs are guard dogs/security dogs, permanently on patrol

 

[Bahshudc]

I also believe that all 3 dogs are German Shepherds - my friend owns multiple and is a dog trainer for this breed specifically. They are very loyal and likely to attack if an intruder entered the home with malicious or violent intent. It would be hard to murder 2 victims in a home of 3 likely defensive GSs.

Edit: Unless, I suppose, the murder is not violent, or the 'intruder' is known to the dogs.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

 

[Bahshudc]

Can I ask where you read 2 dogs were in the closet? That's new... trying to find updated sources. Thanks!

You're not including murder-suicide?

I see it as a possibility. Why were the dogs shut in a closet in the bathroom?

Who ever shuts dogs in a closet?

ETA, there were two dogs in the closet, one died...

 

[slowpoke]

Maybe they woke up, and realized there could be a problem with CO, so they opened up the doors to let in fresh air. She felt unwell with a headache due to the CO, and went to take some medicine in the bathroom for it, but succumbed. Gene was found in the mudroom, and mudrooms are by an entrance/exit to the home. Either he was going to open the door, or succumbed on the way. Possible? Just thoughts.

This is so sad!

 

[LaborDayRN]

You would think they would have had someone, a home health aid or family member that would regularly check in on them. It's so upsetting.

 

[Deleted member 341776]

I feel like we won't have any idea what went down until toxicology comes back.

 

[LeahBee]

You're not including murder-suicide?

I see it as a possibility. Why were the dogs shut in a closet in the bathroom?

Who ever shuts dogs in a closet?

ETA, there were two dogs in the closet, one died...

I think one was in the closet and another just in the bathroom. And i haven't seen that the one in the closet was shut in. Just maybe crated?

 

[PrairieWind]

Not throwing shade but I'm still a little uncomfortable with the New Mexico PD after the "Rust" case. JMO

I'm sort of on board with you. I would hope they put forth a little better effort here.

 

[Bahshudc]

"A mudroom is a dedicated space in the home, usually located near or at your rear or front entrance to your home where you can remove any muddy boots and other outerwear items before entering into another area of living spaces such as the kitchen, dining room etc."

What is a Mudroom and Why You Need One | McArthur Homes

A mudroom is a room of your home where you can take off your shoes & coat before entering. Learn about the benefits of having a mudroom.

mcarthurhomes.com

If this is by the front door which was 'open' perhaps Gene was either coming in or on the way out?

 

[Cedars]

Ikr why was that dog locked in there and not the other ones? Seems to me this was more of a sudden event. A murder-suicide would've included all of the dogs imo.

It sounds strange, but maybe the couple placed the dog in its kennel due to behavioral issues. This is only imo

True, that's possible. However this was a $4 million mansion - not an ordinary home where you have to adapt meager space to accommodate dogs...

I'm also confused about using a space heater in a $4 million home. They could afford the most luxerious heating system which, according to this site, is radiant hot water heat throughout floors and even walls.

What are the best heating systems for New Mexico | Blog | Darlene Streit

With so many options to keep your home toasty and warm, it can be a challenge deciding which way to go. Here are the most popular heating systems suited for Santa Fe, New Mexico and an overview of each.

santaferealestateproperty.com

 

[vls12345]

I haven't looked at the Architectural Digest photos of their house but some master bedroom closets are so big, they are like another room. Maybe the one dog normally liked to sleep in there (amidst the smell of its owners) so they placed a kennel in there for the dog.

I am not sure if the kennel was open or closed.

 

[ldlager]

Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa found dead in their home

The Oscar winner was 95 years old and had starred in numerous classic movies, including ‘The French Connection’ and ‘Unforgiven’

www.independent.co.uk

I'm wondering if it was carbon monoxide poisoning or similar. JMO and speculation. He was an amazing actor.

Two other dogs found healthy in the house. So likely not CM poisoning, especially since fire officials found no evidence of Cm when they arrived. My bet is double suicide