Police are looking into the unexpected deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, after they were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home.
At first, authorities didn’t suspect foul play, but new findings have made them reconsider. Autopsies have been done, but the official cause of death is still unknown, and toxicology reports are pending.
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Hackman, 94, and Arakawa, 61, were found in separate rooms, along with their deceased dog, adding to the mystery surrounding their final moments.
Police initially ruled out foul play but later changed their stance
Initially, police said they didn’t suspect anything criminal and mentioned that two of the couple’s dogs survived. But later, a search warrant revealed that their deaths were “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.”
A maintenance crew discovered the bodies in unsettling conditions
Two maintenance workers found the couple, who had been married since 1991. Arakawa was lying on the bathroom floor with pills scattered nearby. Hackman was in the mud room, next to his sunglasses. And their deceased dog in a nearby closet.
Investigators found no signs of a gas leak despite early suspicions
At first, some thought a gas leak might be to blame. Hackman’s daughter Elizabeth even speculated that carbon monoxide poisoning could have caused their deaths. But investigators later stated there were “no signs of a gas leak.”
Autopsies were completed, but the results remain inconclusive
Authorities finished the autopsies early Thursday morning, but the cause of death remains unclear. They’re waiting on a toxicology report and carbon monoxide test results to get a better understanding of what happened.
Officials say it could take four to six weeks for the full autopsy and toxicology results to be released.
Police confirm no external injuries or trauma on either body
So far, there’s no sign of trauma, gunshots, or other visible injuries on either body. “There were no apparent signs of foul play. The manner and cause of death have not been determined.”
Hackman’s daughter reveals he was in good health before his death
Leslie, 58, said the family is still trying to process everything since “there was no indication that there was any problem” with her father’s health before he passed. “Despite his age, he was in very good physical condition,” she said, adding that he hadn’t had any major surgeries in recent months.
“He liked to do Pilates and yoga, and he was continuing to do that several times a week. So he was in good health.”
The couple may have been dead for weeks before being discovered
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office said the bodies had been in the house for at least a day before deputies found them. Some fear they may have been dead for as long as two weeks.
Decomposition and mummification complicated identification
A report obtained by DailyMail.com revealed that both bodies showed signs of decomposition and were partially mummified. The dry, cold air in New Mexico may have helped preserve their skin and tissues.
Gene Hackman’s body was found in the mud room with his belongings nearby
Hackman was found in a mud room near the kitchen. His sunglasses and cane were on the floor next to him, making some wonder if he may have fallen.
Betsy Arakawa was discovered in the bathroom near an open pill bottle
Arakawa was found on the bathroom floor. A prescription pill bottle was open on the countertop, with some pills scattered nearby. Neither she nor Hackman had any visible injuries.
Family members describe Gene and Betsy’s long and loving marriage
Hackman and Arakawa had been married for 34 years. “They had a wonderful marriage. And I give credit to his wife, Betsy, for keeping him alive,” Leslie said.
Police confirm the circumstances are suspicious enough for further investigation
Authorities now consider the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa “suspicious.” In a search warrant application, Det. Roy Arndt told a judge that the situation “is suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.”
Police continue searching for additional evidence in the home
Detectives searched for phones, video evidence, DNA, and fingerprints. Though there were no obvious signs of violence, they also looked for anything that could be used as a weapon, just in case.
Hackman’s children hadn’t spoken to him in months
Reports say Hackman’s children hadn’t been in touch with him for months before he passed away. “We hadn’t spoken in months. It was difficult, but I never imagined this would be how things ended,” one of them said.
They were spotted out and about a day after Hackman’s death was discovered
Gene Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, were spotted grabbing breakfast at Denny’s just a day after their father and his wife were found dead.
Exclusive photos show the sisters walking into the Burbank, California diner on Thursday. Despite everything, they seemed to be holding up well — at one point, even sharing a smile as they left.
His nephew says he hadn’t seen him in eleven years
Hackman’s nephew spoke about how long it had been since they last met. “It had been eleven years since I last saw him. I always meant to visit, but life got in the way. Now, I’ll never get the chance,” he said. He described Hackman as “a complex but deeply caring man.”
He also mentioned that most of his contact was with Betsy. “I was mainly in touch with Betsy. She was the one who kept me updated.”
Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber also spoke about Gene Hackman on Thursday, calling him a “gracious, friendly” man who “treated everyone well.”
Authorities remain tight-lipped about the ongoing investigation
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza has refused to give interviews. The Office of the Medical Investigator also declined to comment, saying they don’t discuss active cases.
Last Updated on March 1, 2025 by Reem Haqqi
