Gene Hackman's wife Betsy’s body showed signs of ‘mummification’

Gene Hackman, an Oscar winning actor, was found dead at his home in New Mexico along with his wife, Betsy Arakawa and their dog.

Based on the affidavit requested by an officer that was seen by People, Betsy’s body had been in the process of decomposing when it had initially been found.

The report states that Arakawa “showed obvious signs of death, body decomposition, bloating in her face and mummification in both hands and feet.”

Hackman’s body was also stated to have shown similar signs as his wife’s.

What is mummification?

Mummification is the process of dead tissue turning into a hard shrunken mass, usually due to dehydration. Bodies began to decompose almost immediately after death, with it occurring in dry, hot weather or environments.

For Arakawa, only her feet and hands had dried out.

Artificial mummification can be made to happen through processes like wrapping the body, embalming, etc.

The affidavit also stated that their deaths were "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation."

Authorities have added further that the case is “an active and ongoing investigation”.

Hackman’s daughter told TMZ previously that the family suspects their deaths to be caused by toxic fumes like carbon monoxide poisoning. 

RELATED: Gene Hackman was a ‘tough nut’ says Bill Murray after death