A newly obtained 911 call has shed light on the tragic discovery of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, found dead in their residence. The caller, overcome with emotion, pleaded with dispatchers for urgent assistance.
Authorities responded to a distressing 911 call after a caretaker stumbled upon an unresponsive Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa inside their home. The caller, audibly shaken, hesitated before stating they had possibly found two bodies.
Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman during The 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 19, 2003, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
While the dispatcher urgently dispatched paramedics, the caretaker could be heard sniffling and repeatedly saying, “Damn.” When asked about the individuals inside, they struggled to provide details, uncertain of their ages or genders.
The caller remained outside, unable to enter, only able to see through a window that neither Gene nor Betsy appeared to be moving. “No, dude, they’re not moving. Just send somebody out here really quick,” the caretaker told the dispatcher.
Law enforcement arrived shortly after to confirm the devastating news. The community now mourns the loss of the beloved actor and his wife as investigations continue.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa at the Mission Hills Celebrity Sports Invitational on November 30, 1991, in California. | Source: Getty Images
Initial findings from preliminary autopsies showed no external trauma to either individual, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. The couple was found in separate rooms along with their deceased dog.
Authorities say the cause of death remained undetermined at the time of writing, and toxicology tests have been requested. While foul play is not suspected, officials have not ruled it out entirely.