The tragic deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, continue to puzzle investigators nearly nine days after their bodies were found. Although initial theories were formed, new developments have emerged that could provide some clarity about the circumstances of their untimely demise.
Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were discovered dead in their home in the Santa Fe Summit community, located northeast of Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 26, 2024. Authorities quickly ruled out foul play, but the cause of death remained unclear. Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, had initially suggested the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning, prompting an in-depth investigation. However, the Santa Fe Fire Department’s early tests found no evidence of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning in the home.
The couple’s bodies were found in separate rooms, with one of their three dogs, named Zinna, nearby. As the investigation progressed, Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya revealed a key update, stating that the couple appeared to have died around the same time. “Based on the positioning of the bodies and other factors, we believe they passed away within a similar timeframe,” Moya said.
Gene Hackman, the Oscar-winning actor famous for his roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven, and Betsy Arakawa, a gifted classical pianist, had been living a peaceful life in New Mexico in their later years. Their sudden deaths have left both the Hollywood community and local residents in shock. Moya pointed out that authorities had examined all available evidence, including data from Hackman’s pacemaker, which indicated that his last recorded activity occurred on February 17, nine days before their bodies were found.
Further investigation into the couple’s home revealed no major gas leaks or carbon monoxide concerns, according to the New Mexico Gas Company. A “minuscule” gas leak was detected around a stove burner, but it was considered too small to pose any lethal risk, registering at only 0.33 percent of the air. Minor safety violations were also noted near a water heater and gas log lighters in several fireplaces, but none involved hazardous gas or carbon monoxide levels.
Despite these findings, the investigation into the couple’s deaths continues. A search warrant released by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Hackman’s body was located in a mudroom, while Arakawa was found in a bathroom near a space heater. An open prescription bottle and scattered pills were found in the bathroom, but there were no signs of gunshot wounds or other physical injuries on either of the deceased.
The sheriff’s office has reiterated that natural gas is not believed to have played a role in their deaths, ruling out other possible explanations that had been previously speculated. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover the cause of this heartbreaking tragedy.
Although no definitive cause of death has been determined, the circumstances surrounding Hackman and Arakawa’s passing continue to raise numerous questions. With carbon monoxide ruled out and no obvious external factors contributing to their deaths, the case remains baffling. The search for answers continues as the community mourns the loss of a beloved actor and his wife, both of whom led a reclusive yet contented life in their later years.