Authorities are still piecing together the puzzling circumstances surrounding the deaths of revered actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who were found deceased in their Santa Fe home.
- March 1, 2025
AceShowbiz - Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were discovered dead on February 26 alongside one of their German Shepherd dogs. Initial autopsy and toxicology reports have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of their deaths, which has heightened the mystery surrounding the incident.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza of Santa Fe County shared details in a recent press conference, emphasizing that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
According to the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office, Hackman's pacemaker recorded its last activity on February 17, suggesting he may have died nine days before being found. The condition of the bodies further supported this claim.
Arakawa was found lying on her side in a bathroom, near a toppled space heater and an open prescription bottle with pills scattered around. Hackman, meanwhile, was found in the entryway of their home.
Authorities are currently awaiting full autopsy results and toxicology reports to ascertain the exact causes of death. Santa Fe County Fire Department and New Mexico Gas Company confirmed that there were no signs of carbon monoxide leak or poisoning at the residence.
Investigators collected various items from the home, including cell phones, medications for high blood pressure and thyroid issues, a 2025 monthly planner, and health records. Officials plan to examine these items along with reaching out to family members, neighbors, and workers in the gated community to reconstruct the timeline leading up to the couple's deaths.
Despite the absence of external trauma or carbon monoxide poisoning, the circumstances have been deemed "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation," Mendoza noted. Hence, investigators are keeping all possible scenarios on the table.
Gene Hackman was widely considered one of the great American actors, having a storied career that included winning two Oscars. Hackman and Arakawa, known for their private lifestyle, lived in a picturesque Pueblo revival home with views of the Rocky Mountains. The couple was well-regarded and involved in the local community.
While fans and colleagues mourn the loss of Hackman, they eagerly await answers to the mysterious and tragic circumstances surrounding the deaths of both Hackman and Arakawa.
