What is Mummification? All we know as Gene Hackman's wife reportedly had mummified body parts when found dead

Police released news on the death of Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa, and we heard the word "mummified".

"Mummification was noticed on both hands and feet of the female victim's body." mentioned in the affidavit.

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What is Mummification?

Usually, the human body undergoes a process of decomposition that results in tissues and skin decaying, leaving behind only the skeleton. Therefore, 'mummification' is seen when the natural process is hindered.

This process can be achieved artificially through several ways, and it preserves the body's tissue for an extended period. The body's soft tissue and skin get completely dry, making the body take on a dark appearance.

The bodies of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found in their residence located in New Mexico on February 26th, 2025.

The Mysterious Death of the Oscar-Winning Actor & his Wife: Story Unfolds

Both the bodies were found in two separate rooms. Hackman was found in the mudroom, while his wife was found in an open bathroom near a space heater.

It wasn't just their dead bodies that were found; out of their 3 dogs, one German Shepherd was also found dead 10 to 15 feet away from Arakawa. While the other two dogs were found healthy inside their home.

The manner of death has not yet been revealed by the police, but there are indications that the couple was dead a day before discovery. Meanwhile, a deputy observed Arakawa's body and saw signs of body decomposition, face bloating, and signs of mummification on her hands and feet. The same signs were noticed on Hackman's body.

The death of the couple is quite suspicious as the person who found them reported that the front door was unsecured and one dog was found dead while the other was healthy. "Carbon monoxide poisoning could be a blame", stated by Gene Hackman's daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, but there were no signs of a leak, according to the fire department. Therefore, no cause of death has been stated yet.

The investigation over the death continues, and we stay put for the next official records of TMZ.