Gene Hackman death: Sheriff says timeline may be a 'challenge' as investigation continues
The death of actor Gene Hackman remains under investigation after he was found Wednesday at his home in New Mexico.
The actor, his wife, pianist Betsy Arakawa, along with a dog, were found dead by neighborhood security officials. Authorities found the couple around 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, according to a statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office.
Hackman had largely retreated from the spotlight, but had "deeply woven" himself into his New Mexico community, Jennifer LaBar-Tapia, Executive Director of the Santa Fe Film Office, said at a Friday press conference.
"Gene was not only a legendary actor whose talent shaped generations of storytelling, but he and Betsy were also longtime residents of our community," LaBar-Tapia said.
Here's what we know about the death of Gene Hackman.
Hackman's pacemaker revealed that "his last event was recorded on Feb. 17, 2025," Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said during a press conference.
Mendoza said it was "a very good assumption" to conclude that was Hackman's "last day of life," more than a week before he was found.
Mendoza told the "Today" show Friday that he's "pretty confident that there's no foul play" involved, though police are "not ruling that out."
Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for carbon monoxide, Mendoza said during the press conference.
Authorities found the actor in a mudroom near his cane, appearing to have fallen, while his wife Arakawa was found in an open bathroom near a space heater, according to a search warrant.
A deputy observed "body decomposition, bloating in her face" and mummification in Arakawa's hands and feet, according to the warrant.
One of the couple's German shepherds was found dead less than 15 feet from Arakawa in a closet, while their other two dogs were found alive in the bathroom near Arakawa and outside.
Mendoza told "Today" that there was no "indication that anybody was moving about the house or doing anything different, so it's very hard to determine" if the couple died at different times or together.
Authorities called the deaths "suspicious."
Mendoza told "Today" that it would be a "challenge" crafting a timeline of their deaths, as Hackman and Arakawa were "private individuals and a private family."
"One of the things is in an investigation, we try to piece a timeline together," Mendoza said they usually work from when "the event" happens and go forward but said that investigators plan to also work "backwards" on the Hackman case.
Two cell phones were among the items found in a search of the Hackman home. Mendoza said that investigators would attempt to access the phones to gain insight into the last days of the couple.
"We'll be analyzing cell phone data, phone calls, text messages, events, photos in the cell phone to try to piece a timeline together," Mendoza said Friday.
Contributing: Anika Reed
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Gene Hackman death: Sheriff says timeline may be a 'challenge'
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Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Wealthiest communities in Florida: 40 celebrities and athletes who call Jupiter home
From top-tier athletes, to world-renowned musicians, to TV and movie stars, Palm Beach County, Florida has always had its share of famous people who have called it home. There's a long list of celebrities who lived in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, like Ariana Grande, Steffi Graf, Marilyn Manson and Adam Sandler. And other famous folks settled in the Wellington area, such as Tommy Lee Jones, Lou Dobbs and Zsa Zsa Gabor. This is a list of the rich and famous who live or lived in the Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens area in Florida. Jupiter's favorite son, who passed away in 2018 at age 82, lived all over the area, including his former ranch, museum and dinner theater. He's called Jupiter 'the best place in the world.' Beloved chanteuse Dion and late husband Rene Angelil lived in Jupiter Island. Her house sold earlier this year. Not only did the country legend live on Jupiter Island before selling his house in 2013, but he filmed his famous 'It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere' video with fellow Palm Beach Countian Jimmy Buffett at Jupiter's Square Grouper Tiki Bar. The champion golfer lives on Jupiter Island, and also owns The Woods, a restaurant in Jupiter's Harbourside Place. The Cincinnati Reds baseball legend had a home in Jupiter. The former pro golfer known as the Great White Shark and LIV Golf commissioner called Jupiter Island home for decades before placing his property on the market in 2016. What is it about Jupiter and sports legends? Jordan lives in Bear's Club, and is co-owner of the 1000 North restaurant in Jupiter. Known as The Great One, Wayne Gretzky is the GOAT of professional hockey. 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The professional golfer is one of many living in the Jupiter area. The professional golfer is one of many living in the Jupiter area. The professional golfer is one of many living in the Jupiter area. The Hall of Fame golfer is a Jupiter Island resident. The golfer recalled moving to North Palm Beach from Nebraska as a youngster in 1973. He attended the old North Shore High School in West Palm Beach and the University of Florida and then settled in Tequesta. After life in New York, Namath found peace in Tequesta. His personal history in the area goes back three decades. Namath has called the Jupiter/Tequesta area home for nearly 33 years. Popular MSNBC personalities Joe Scarborough and his wife Mika Brzezinski live in Jupiter. They recently sold one of their homes in The Island at Abacoa community but still own a townhome in the same neighborhood, records show. Scarborough and Brzezinski are registered to vote in Palm Beach County. 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Buzz Feed
3 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
27 Chewy Items To Make You A Dog Ownership Genius
A Toy Story aliens rope toy so your dog can feel like "The Claw" from the movie. And look how freaking CUTE these little guys are! Promising review: "Our pug loves this toy!! He brings it over every evening to play tug. He lost interest in his regular rope toys fairly quickly, but still loves this one after six months." —LauraPrice: $10.99 A refillable dog treat dispenser toy you can fill with homemade snacks or premade Pupsicle Pops because this will keep your doggo occupied while you sit through your Zoom meetings. Promising review: "Our Lab mix has always suffered from anxiety, fear, aggression with strangers, and breaks in routine. We ordered this product after seeing several ads on our social media. He LOVES it, and so do we! Super easy to clean and refill, long-lasting, and the treat refills don't smell bad like other dog treats! Our sweet boy recently began to lose mobility in his rear end and gets super upset when he is unable to get around independently; this gives him the comfort he needs to just relax and lie down while enjoying a treat!" —Elizabeth Price: $19.99+ (available in three sizes) A jar of Zesty Paws Aller-Immune Bites for dogs, which are packed with wild-caught Alaskan salmon and probiotics to help keep your pup's immune system in tip-top shape in between vet visits. Promising review: "My dog Charlie scratches and chews all over himself almost constantly. Since putting him on this chew daily, his symptoms have greatly reduced. He has only been using the product for a week, and every day shows improvement. I'm hoping in a few days, he'll be symptom-free. Furthermore, he thinks he's getting a daily treat and is so excited when I offer him his daily dose. I highly recommend Aller-Immune Bites!" —CharliePrice: $4.97+ (available in three flavors and six quantities) An engaging jumbler ball if your pup has seemingly endless energy (but you don't). This will surely tire him out and give you a second to just ~chill out.~ Promising review: "Toy is an entertaining, nice squeaker. Our German shepherd plays with this for hours. The toy is challenging to pick up and carry. All of which helps our high energy German shepherd burn off energy." —TracyPrice: $14.99+ (available in two sizes) An orthopedic dog bed with a removable, machine-washable cover and a wraparound bolster that your doggy will absolutely love snuggling up in. Promising review: "I bought the XL bed for my 55-pound husky mix. My dog prefers the bolster-style bed for prime cuddling sessions. The quality is top-notch. The center is extremely soft, and the structure of the bed is rigid enough to support my pup all day without feeling like plastic. Overall, this bed exceeded all my needs. He now has a bed in every room, and this one is by far his favorite." —DoYouHaveChangeForADollarPrice: $63.99+ (available in three sizes and two colors) A sliding sushi-themed puzzle for the dog who is super restless and gets bored easily. This will keep them occupied long enough for you to maybe even get some work done of your own! Promising review: "Our dog quickly figured out how to get treats out of this puzzle toy, but it is so handy because he loves it, and it calms him and occupies him whenever we leave. Love this!" —LinmarpiePrice: $16.95 A nonskid slow-feeder bowl because your puppy may be known to scarf down the food a little too fast and accidentally make themselves sick. Promising review: "Our Zoey was a fast eater. By fast, I mean her food was gone in less than a minute. As she aged, we noticed her vomiting and belching more, in part because she was eating so fast. Once we purchased this bowl, it forced her to slow down. It was perfect for our needs. She is enjoying her food, has stopped belching after eating, and we have not had any vomiting issues." —RobynPrice: $5.52+ (originally $9.99+, available in two sizes) A package of Greenies Pill Pocket treats so giving your dog their meds doesn't have to be a traumatic experience for either of you. I give these to my Chiweenie, and she loves them! A lot of reviewers compliment these pill pockets for picky dogs and cats that haven't responded as well to other brands. Promising review: "Two of my dogs require medication on a daily basis. There is no way I can manually try to force these meds. I tried another reputable brand of pill pockets, and they worked for a couple of days until my dogs realized that there were pills in them, so I decided to try Greenies Pill Pockets. First of all, the consistency of the pocket was easy to form over the pill. Then came the test of flavor. My dogs love breakfast and dinnertime now that they get the Greenie treat. They don't even blink. I love these!" —CiscoPrice: $8.96+ (available in four flavors, four quantities, and two capsule sizes) A hip health and joint-function supplement fortified with glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM if your doggy has arthritis and needs a little pain relief. Promising review: "My almost 6-year-old longhaired dachshund has had mild arthritis since she was a baby. I noticed she was having difficulty ambulating. She could no longer go upstairs with me, nor could she step up/off small curbs while walking. I knew this product worked in humans and thought I would try it with my pup. Wow! In one week, she's climbing stairs, jumping on/off curbs, and able to walk further. I give her two soft chews, and they work beautifully. Very affordable at Chewy. I will continue to keep my baby on this product." —MinniePrice: $17.83+ (originally $23.90, available in two styles and four quantities) A practically indestructible Kong chew toy you can fill with your dog's favorite treat so they can get all their energy out and enjoy a lil' snack at the same time. Promising review: "Being on the market like forever just might be the proof dog owners need to actually buy this toy. It comes in all dog sizes and has a lot of potential. For my rescue dog, it doesn't need to be stuffed with treats or peanut butter (too fattening). She loves it for the erratic bouncing action. A regular ball bores the heck out of her. Plus, she's exercising more muscle groups, trying to grab a hold of it. And the Kong is about as indestructible as they come. Buy it once and wait 'til the end of days before it wears out." —StephenPrice: $7.99+ (originally $8.99, available in six sizes) A level-two difficulty Hide N Slide puzzle perfect for the pup who has little to no experience with puzzles. This is a great way to introduce your dog to the world of puzzling! Promising review: "Love this! You put either kibble or bits of treats in the holes and slide over the cover. It gives my dog a challenge to find and eat the treat, and it takes her a bit of time to get all the holes emptied, yet it is very doable for them to figure it out. They move the slider cover with their nose, and I like the stimulation it gives them." —Nora Price: $17.94 (originally $24.99, available in two colors) A fleece pet carrier bag with mesh panels and a spring wire frame that's approved by most airlines so your companion can travel in comfort. I have one of these for my dog, and she loves cuddling in it even when we're not traveling! It also works great for transporting other small pets, like hedgehogs, chinchillas, and bearded dragons!Promising review: "Such an improvement over the large plastic carriers I used to use. Both my cats love these bags and will hang out in them and nap in them if I leave them out after a trip. I think they're just the right size for them to feel cozy and safe. The two entry points are really handy, too. I love that they fold flat for storage, too, since my apartment is pretty small. Would highly recommend!" —KatePrice: $47.99+ (originally $143.99+, available in two sizes) A flavored tooth-cleaning chew toy if your dog has stinky breath and you want to trick them into taking care of their own teeth, so you don't have to brush them yourself. Promising review: "My dog has been chewing on the Hartz dog bones that are bacon flavored for the last five years and has perfect teeth. Stopped her from chewing on my shoes when she was younger, too. Still keeps her busy at 7 years old. :) " —Glucas1211Price: $3.47+ (available in four sizes and assorted colors chosen by Chewy) A set of carpeted pet stairs because some of the shorter doggies may have trouble getting up and down off the couch or bed. Promising review: "I bought this step for one of our cats who can no longer jump up on the bed due to age, and it works like a charm. He took to it right away and is one happy kitty! These steps are well constructed and sturdy." —ShaundaPrice: $59.99 (available in two colors) A silicone food bowl mat for the furry friend who makes a huge mess anytime they eat, and you want to make cleanup a little easier. Promising review: "Both of my cats like to pick up their wet food nuggets and drop them several inches away from the bowl before picking them back up and eating them. I tried wider bowls to relieve whisker tension, but they still dragged the moist morsels away like it was freshly snagged prey. This mat is large enough that they can't drag it too far away and get my floors messy. Perfect solution. I don't put it in the dishwasher, but clean up is still super easy with a soapy paper towel, then quick rinse." —DaniPrice: $13.99+ (available in two sizes and two colors) A container of calming chicken-flavored hemp treats that are perfect for the doggy who gets panicked when traveling or during thunderstorms. Promising review: "My Great Dane calms down and remains calm to the point of falling asleep. One piece does the trick with her, but two really knock her out. She is just over 100 pounds. You get a lot of treats in one container, so don't balk at the price. Yes, sometimes thunder or the garbage truck makes her bark or wake, but she rarely even gets off the couch if she has had one or two of these. Worth every penny in my book." —MJBoyer8118Price: $32.99+ (available in three sizes and two flavors) A Zesty Paws Itch-Soother dog shampoo packed with aloe vera, oatmeal, and vitamin E to help your pooch with dry, flaky skin. Promising review: "We used to use a popular name brand for our dog's shampoo. She never had any skin issues until last winter, when she got super flaky. We switched her to this shampoo and started giving her skin vitamins. This shampoo really helps moisturize her skin without leaving a weird odor, and a little goes a long way during bath time. It was definitely a great purchase!" —mm13Price: $15.47 (also available in a two-pack) A volcano and dinosaur hide-and-seek toy your pup will have so much fun taking apart. Plus, it's also a squeaky toy, so they will have the added bonus of auditory stimulation. Promising review: "My dog loves these toys, and he was thrilled. He just kept pulling out dinosaur after dinosaur! Six of them, and all of them decently sized. This really is a great value, and the toys are very well made and adorable." —TaylorPrice: $14.99 A West Paw chew toy made of a special nontoxic Zogoflex material — that is BPA-, phthalate-, and latex-free — your dog will love chewing on, and that won't damage their teeth like some plastic chew toys might. Promising review: "I have five dogs. One is a pit mix who destroys all chew toys in the house and has broken teeth on toys that were too hard (more money spent at the vet). My others don't get their chewing needs met because other toys are either destroyed so quickly or removed to protect my busy pit, but THESE toys last months. They are not so hard to hurt my strong chewer's teeth, and all my dogs love them! My pups stay occupied for hours on end with these. I ordered five large and my home became the happiest home on the planet. Definitely worth the money. Also, both Chewy and West Paw have such EXCELLENT customer service that you can't go wrong. Thank you, Chewy!" —SharlsPrice: $12.95+ (available in three sizes) A Furminator pet hair deshedding brush to help your doggo get rid of excess hair that may be overheating them in the summertime weather. Plus, you'll be able to see your couch again since it won't be covered in hair anymore! Promising review: "I am so amazed with this brush! I have tried several brushes and the bristles always end up breaking and they never get deep down to the undercoat. However, this brush is sturdy and no broken pieces after several uses! I love that there is a fur release button to get the stubborn hairs out of the brush. My dog gets so excited when it's time to get brushed and he was like a brand-new dog after using this for the first time!" —NicolePrice: $31.85+ (originally $37.49+; available in three sizes and colors) An elevated bed so your puppy can have the perfect spot to lounge outside beside you while you're enjoying your favorite book in the sunshine. Promising review: "My dog loves her new bed and so do I. She sleeps in it all day long. It keeps her cooler than any of the other beds she has had. She sleeps on it with her blankets, no problem. No more laying on the hard floor to keep herself cool. With this bed, she stays cool and comfortable." —4dogsPrice: $16.99+ (available in three sizes and four colors) A natural paw balm because you want to protect those precious toe beans from hot summer asphalt and harsh salt in the winter. Promising review: "We live in a condominium complex that hires snow plowers to do our parking lots and sidewalks. Unfortunately, they salted everything heavily once the initial plowing was finished. Every dog we've had in the 28 years we've lived here starts out their walks so frisky and happy, and five minutes into it, they're lifting paws and stopping due to the salt, which super-cools the ice, and consequently their poor little paws. One of my friends found this product and used it every winter with her dog, and always said how effective it was. So I thought I would buy a tin and try it. Yup! It's like magic! I work a small amount on each pad and in between her toes, and we're good to go! It's a reasonably priced product, and I highly recommend trying it!" —MaryPrice: $15.99+ (originally $16.99+, available in three sizes) A package of presoaked tear stain wipes to gently clean away your pup's eye goop. These are especially great for dogs with white fur, where you can clearly see the stains. Promising review: "I'm very impressed with these pads. A dog who was staying with me for a few weeks arrived with very matted, crusty eyes. I ordered and received the eye pads, used them 2x daily, and they cleared up! She loved it!" —AngelPrice: $11 (originally $12.99) An adorable raincoat if it feels like pulling teeth to get your pup to go outside when it's raining. Plus, now you won't have to towel dry them after a walk in a storm. Promising review: "So cute, and great functionally! Kept my dog dry during our last walk through heavy rain. The hood is a bit bigger than my dog needs; it falls into her eyes sometimes, but it's an easily solved problem and works wonderfully otherwise!" —JackyPrice: $12.99+ (available in seven sizes, two colors, and with or without a personalization option) An LED light-up collar so your pup can remain visible while it's dark out for extra safety. And who doesn't love a puppy rave moment?? Promising review: "These things are so bright, they're amazing. Our dogs run loose, supervised, around our property, and you can see the dogs from hundreds of feet away. Three dogs, three different colors, it's so easy to keep track of them and know when to call them back if they get too far. We only use them when we are walking our property with the dogs, but we go out quite a few times before I recharge them." —JustinPrice: $18.99+ (originally $24.99, available in four sizes and seven colors) A variety pack of dental chews in fun shapes so your doggy can enjoy a yummy chewy experience while also getting their teeth sneakily cleaned. Promising review: "My bulldog didn't want me brushing her teeth. The vet said to try these. Now I say 'whimsey,' and my dog runs to get one! She gets one a day and loves them! And she has great teeth! I am SO happy to have found these!!!!" —ChelseaPrice: $34.77+ (originally $38.99+, available in two sizes) And finally, a big package of freeze-dried beef liver treats your pup will absolutely go gah-gah over. My dog's vet has these, and it makes her actually enjoy going to the vet. Promising review: "At first, Willow wasn't quite sure about these freeze-dried beef liver treats. The texture gave her a moment of 'paws' (pun intended). But once she took that first crunchy bite, it was game over — she's absolutely hooked! Now, these treats are her go-to favorite. She'll sit, stay, and maybe even do a backflip if it means getting one. The 14-ounce tub is the perfect size to keep her tail wagging without running out too soon. If your pup needs a high-value treat to bring out their inner superstar, these are a must-try! Willow gives them two paws up!" —KathyPrice: $4.99+ (originally $5.99+; available in five sizes and in a pack of two)
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Austrian school shooter was 21-year-old former pupil, authorities say
The gunman who killed nine people at a secondary school in the Austrian city of Graz on Tuesday before taking his own life was a 21-year-old former pupil, Austrian authorities said. The man used a long gun and a handgun, law enforcement officials said at a press conference, adding that they are still investigating the motive. Both firearms were legally owned. Of the nine victims, six were female and three male, according to Interior Minister Gerhard Karner. Twelve people were injured, he said, some of them seriously. The minister said the perpetrator never graduated and that his motive was still being investigated. After carrying out the rampage, he died by suicide in a bathroom at the school. Chancellor Christian Stocker was on his way to the scene in Austria's second-largest city along with top officials as condolences and messages of support poured in from national and European leaders. "This horror cannot be put into words," President Alexander Van der Bellen wrote on X. "Austria is in mourning." Shots fired on Tuesday morning Police said the shots were fired at an upper secondary school around 10 am (0800 GMT), with special units quickly responding to the scene. Students at such schools are typically 14 years and older. The building was evacuated, with students and teachers escorted to a safe meeting place, and some 300 police officers were deployed. Parents and uninjured students were taken to nearby buildings and cared for by crisis intervention teams, the city said. Police wrote later on X there was "no further danger" and that the "situation is secure." A spokesman for the local Red Cross said more than 160 rescue workers were sent to the scene. Several rescue helicopters were also in operation, while a special emergency protocol was activated to ensure medical care for numerous injured individuals. European leaders 'horrified' by shooting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote in German on X: "The news from Graz hits home. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and friends." "Schools are symbols of youth, hope, and the future," she added. "It is difficult to bear when schools become places of death and violence." European Council President António Costa said he was "horrified by the news of the school shooting in Graz." "A senseless act of violence in a place where children should feel safe and protected," he wrote on X. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz also extended their condolences over the deadly shooting. "It was with great dismay and deep sadness that I learnt of the act of violence in Graz, in which so many innocent people lost their lives," Steinmeier wrote to his Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen. "Your German neighbours are with you in their hearts," Steinmeier said. Merz sent a message to Chancellor Stocker, saying he was "deeply shocked that young people were torn from their lives so abruptly." Three days of mourning to be announced Austria will observe three days of national mourning following the deadly shooting. A minute's silence will be observed across the country on Wednesday. Flags at the presidential office, the chancellery, and other official buildings are to be flown at half-mast during the mourning period. Graz, in south-eastern Austria, is home to around 300,000 people.
