Santa Fe authorities are still working to determine the cause of death of legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65. While the investigation is ongoing, officials have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning and external trauma.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza provided updates at a press conference on Friday, revealing that preliminary test results showed no traces of carbon monoxide in the couple’s bodies. Investigators are awaiting further toxicology reports and additional tests that could take weeks or even months to complete.
Hackman’s Pacemaker Recorded Final Activity on February 17
Sheriff Mendoza disclosed that Hackman had a pacemaker, which recorded its last event on February 17. Although not a confirmed date of death, investigators believe this to be a strong indication of when he passed away. “According to the pathologist, that is a very good assumption,” Mendoza stated.
The bodies of Hackman and Arakawa were discovered on Wednesday in their Santa Fe Summit home, a gated community in Hyde Park, New Mexico. Hackman’s body was found in the mudroom off the kitchen, while Arakawa’s was in a bathroom near the front door. A deceased German shepherd was also found nearby, while two other dogs survived.
No Signs of Forced Entry or External Trauma
Investigators reported that there were no visible injuries or signs of foul play. Sheriff Mendoza noted that two bottles of prescription medication, an over-the-counter bottle of Tylenol, two cellphones, and a 2025 monthly planner were collected from the scene. The contents of the cellphones have not yet been accessed, and authorities will be examining the planner for any scheduled events that may offer clues.
In addition, officials are reviewing security footage and entry records for the subdivision. They also plan to interview family members, maintenance staff, and security personnel to establish a timeline of events leading up to the couple’s deaths.
Bodies May Have Been Undiscovered for Weeks
Hackman and Arakawa were believed to have been deceased for several days, possibly up to two weeks, before their bodies were discovered. According to a search warrant affidavit, Arakawa’s body showed signs of “mummification,” while Hackman’s was in a similar condition.
Authorities noted that the couple led a private life, which has made establishing an exact timeline challenging. Hackman’s daughter, Leslie, revealed that she had not seen her father or stepmother in months but maintained regular contact. She stated that Hackman had been in good health, regularly practicing Pilates and yoga.
A caretaker for the community was the first to notice something was wrong, calling 911 after seeing the bodies through a window. Community workers mentioned that they had not seen the couple for about two weeks.
Investigators Continue Examining Possible Causes
Despite ruling out carbon monoxide poisoning, authorities continue to explore other possibilities. Fire Chief Brian Moya confirmed that their team had tested the home for gas leaks before entering and found nothing concerning. The New Mexico Gas Company also conducted an inspection and did not detect any issues.
However, Moya acknowledged that if a gas leak had occurred, it might have dissipated over time. The medical examiner is conducting toxicology tests to determine whether any substances played a role in the deaths. Sheriff Mendoza emphasized that while foul play is not suspected, investigators are keeping all possibilities open until the autopsy results provide conclusive evidence.
Surviving Dogs and Their Well-Being
The couple’s three dogs were also a focal point in the investigation. According to reports, a deceased German shepherd was found in a crate or kennel near Arakawa’s body, not in a closet as initially reported. One surviving dog was found loose on the property, while another was inside the home. Authorities believe an open door near the rear of the house allowed the animals to move in and out freely.
Animal control officials worked with the family to ensure the safety of the two surviving dogs. Hackman, known to be a dog lover, had adopted animals from rescue organizations in the past, and one group shared a tribute to the late actor following his passing.
Awaiting Final Reports
With the toxicology results still pending, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths. Sheriff Mendoza remains “pretty confident” that foul play was not involved but has not ruled it out entirely. Investigators will rely on the autopsy report to determine the exact cause and manner of death.
The loss of Gene Hackman, a two-time Academy Award-winning actor known for his roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, and Superman, marks the end of an era in Hollywood. Fans and colleagues worldwide mourn his passing while awaiting further details on the circumstances of his and his wife’s tragic deaths.
The Information is Collected from Yahoo and abc News.
