Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Found Deceased
Gene Hackman, the acclaimed Hollywood actor known for his remarkable performances, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, a talented classical pianist, were discovered dead at their residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Authorities estimate that the couple had been deceased for approximately ten days prior to the grim discovery, which occurred on Wednesday.
Both individuals exhibited significant signs of decomposition, leading the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office to classify the circumstances surrounding their deaths as “suspicious enough” to warrant a deeper investigation. During a news conference held on Friday evening, officials revealed that new evidence indicates the couple likely passed away on February 17, 2025. Investigators examined Hackman’s pacemaker, which recorded a “last event” on that date, suggesting he was alive at that time.
Authorities stated that there were no apparent indications of foul play within the home, and it is a “reasonable assumption” that Hackman may have died around the time his pacemaker recorded its final event.
Negative Carbon Monoxide Tests
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza updated the press on the case findings on Friday, explaining, “Both individuals tested negative for carbon monoxide.” He elaborated that an initial assessment of Hackman’s pacemaker indicated that the last event was logged on February 17, 2025, and a more comprehensive investigation is underway.
Mendoza added, “Initial findings revealed no external trauma to either individual. The manner and cause of death have yet to be determined, and we are still awaiting the official autopsy and toxicology results.”
Discovery of the Bodies
According to a search warrant, Hackman’s body was located in a side room adjacent to the kitchen. He was found dressed in grey tracksuit bottoms, a long-sleeve blue t-shirt, and brown slippers, with a pair of sunglasses and a walking cane nearby. Meanwhile, Arakawa was discovered next to a space heater in a bathroom, with a bottle of prescription medication and scattered pills on the countertop close to her.
Tragically, the couple’s German Shepherd dog was found deceased in a closet near Arakawa’s body, while two other dogs were located alive on the property, one inside and one outside. Sheriff Mendoza noted that there were conflicting reports regarding which doors were locked at the residence. He mentioned that several doors were found unlocked, and a rear door was open, allowing the surviving dogs to move freely.
The alarm was raised by a maintenance worker conducting pest control, who became concerned after not having seen the couple for an extended period. Following the discovery of the bodies, the New Mexico Gas Company inspected the gas lines in and around the home and reported no issues.
Officers are diligently working to reconstruct the couple’s last known interactions with others, which poses a challenge due to their preference for privacy. A search was initiated after the bodies were located, and several items were collected from the residence for evidentiary purposes, including two green mobile phones, two bottles of medication, medical records, and a 2025 monthly planner. Investigators are currently sifting through the contents of the cell phones and reviewing the calendar found near the couple’s remains.
No Signs of Trauma or Injuries
According to Sheriff Mendoza, there were no indications that either Hackman or Arakawa had suffered a fall. He remarked, “There is no evidence suggesting any trauma or injury; neither had head injuries or brain injuries.” Dr. Philip Keen, a retired chief medical examiner from Maricopa County, Arizona, noted that the moment a pacemaker ceases to function might coincide with the time of death, but that is not always the case. He explained, “If a person’s heart necessitated a pacemaker, there would certainly be an interruption at that point, which could mark the time of death, but it’s not definitive.”
Dr. Keen also expressed skepticism regarding the likelihood of someone who initially tests negative for carbon monoxide later being found to have been poisoned by it.
Gene Hackman, celebrated as one of the finest actors of his generation, received five Oscar nominations throughout his illustrious career, winning Best Actor for his performance in The French Connection in 1972 and Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven two decades later. His daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, along with his granddaughter Annie, expressed their profound sorrow, stating they will miss the actor “sorely” and are “devastated by the loss.”
