In a startling discovery, the bodies of renowned actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found lifeless alongside one of their dogs in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home. Authorities have launched an investigation into their deaths, which feature forensic details suggesting the couple may have been deceased for a significant amount of time before being discovered. The mummification process may hold clues to the timeline of their demise.
Mummification can occur under specific environmental conditions, and the Hackmans' home might have provided just that. With Santa Fe's temperatures dipping below 0°C (32°F) during this time of year, their indoor conditions are likely warm and dry. These factors, combined with proper ventilation, create an optimal environment for bodies to mummify.
Dr. Nicholas Marquez-Grant, a forensic anthropologist, noted that mummification can happen relatively quickly. He explained that animal cadavers can dehydrate within days or a week under similar conditions.
“It can be quite fast in some circumstances. A few days in desert conditions. There have been some experiments with animal cadavers showing that they become dehydrated within days or a week.” – Dr Nicholas Marquez-Grant
A Swedish study underscores these findings, revealing that parchment-like skin is visible within three days postmortem. Meanwhile, leathery desiccated skin can develop within six days, and complete evidence of mummification can appear within 18 days.
The phenomenon of mummification is not confined to ancient Egypt or high-altitude regions. It can occur anywhere with the right combination of temperature and humidity. Warm, ventilated spaces not only promote mummification but also deter insects that contribute to decomposition.
Dr. Marquez-Grant elaborated on how different body parts can decompose at varying rates due to factors such as clothing and body fat.
“What we’ve found is that you may have someone who is wearing a T-shirt and that part of the torso has been skeletonised, while the legs and the feet have been mummified.” – Dr Nicholas Marquez-Grant
“You can get remains that are in different states of decomposition. The skull has a very thin skin layer so it becomes skeletonised more quickly. The hands decompose more quickly. The hips and buttocks have more fat so will take a bit longer.” – Dr Nicholas Marquez-Grant
The case of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa is not isolated; mummified bodies are discovered several times annually in southern France, often signaling social isolation. Their tragic deaths raise questions about their circumstances and how long they went unnoticed.