The deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, remain a mystery. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza announced in a press conference that investigations have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning and external trauma. Both individuals tested negative for carbon monoxide, according to Dr. Heather Jarrell from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. Further tests are underway to determine the exact cause of death.
Hackman, 95, had a pacemaker, and authorities noted that the last recorded event on the device was on February 17. Mendoza suggested this date might indicate when Hackman passed away. There were no signs of foul play, and both Hackman and Arakawa, 65, showed no external injuries. Investigators found two bottles of medication, over-the-counter Tylenol, and a planner with no apparent scheduled events in their home.
The couple was discovered on Wednesday in their Santa Fe home, with Hackman found in a mudroom and Arakawa in a bathroom. Their two surviving dogs were safe, while another dog was also found deceased nearby.
Mendoza explained that the couple may have been dead for several days or even up to a couple of weeks. Signs of decomposition were noted, making it difficult to establish a precise timeline. The Santa Fe County deputies were alerted after a caretaker noticed the bodies through the windows; they had not been seen for about two weeks.
Leslie Hackman, the actor’s daughter, shared that she hadn’t seen her father or stepmother in months but believed everything was normal before their deaths. Mendoza expressed confidence that foul play is unlikely but stated that investigations are ongoing. Autopsy and toxicology results will be crucial to understanding the circumstances surrounding their deaths, but these could take several months to finalize.
As for their pets, the Santa Fe County Animal Control Division is ensuring the safety of the surviving dogs. They will be taken care of while investigators continue to gather evidence and details about what transpired in the couple’s home.
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Source linkGene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa, carbon monoxide poisoning, Adam Mendoza, Santa Fe County, Mendoza, Santa Fe
