The investigation into the deaths of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, has taken an unexpected turn, with law enforcement acknowledging a mistake made at the crime scene. As more information surfaces, authorities continue to work through the mystery surrounding their deaths, leaving family, friends, and fans searching for answers.
The tragic discovery of Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies on Wednesday, February 27, at their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home initially led police to believe there were no signs of foul play. However, new developments have prompted a full investigation. Reports suggest that the couple had been deceased for a significant time before their bodies were found, with some sources indicating that their remains were partially mummified. Additionally, one of their dogs was discovered dead inside the home.
Hackman, a two-time Academy Award-winning actor known for his roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, and Superman, was 95 at the time of his passing. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, a former concert pianist and his partner of over three decades, was found in a different part of the house. Hackman’s body was located in a mudroom, while Arakawa was discovered in the bathroom, next to a bottle of prescription pills—an important detail noted by Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza as “significant” evidence.
In the days following their deaths, Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, voiced her family’s uncertainty about what led to the tragedy. She speculated that carbon monoxide poisoning could be responsible. “The house is fairly modern, built in 2000,” Elizabeth said in an interview with TMZ. “But we don’t know if there were any issues with gas leaks or if there had been recent service calls to the property.”
However, investigators have since ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause. The Santa Fe City Fire Department conducted tests throughout the home and found no signs of leaks or hazardous gas levels. Similarly, the New Mexico Gas Company conducted an independent inspection and confirmed that no carbon monoxide was detected.
As part of their efforts to establish a timeline, authorities reviewed data from Hackman’s pacemaker. Sheriff Mendoza confirmed on Friday, February 28, that the device recorded its final heartbeat on February 17, suggesting Hackman likely passed away on that day—more than a week before his body was discovered.
In the midst of ongoing forensic examinations, a new development has surfaced, revealing an error in the initial police report. Investigators had originally identified the deceased dog inside the home as a German Shepherd, which led many of the couple’s close friends to assume that Bear, their longtime pet, had perished alongside them.
However, an animal chiropractor familiar with Hackman and Arakawa’s pets later confirmed that Bear is still alive. According to a USA Today report, authorities had misidentified the dog, and it was actually Zinna, a 12-year-old Australian Kelpie mix, who was found deceased. This revelation raised concerns about the accuracy of the initial investigation.
The remaining two dogs, Bear and Nikita, were taken into custody by the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society after the discovery of their owners’ deaths. A spokesperson from the shelter later confirmed that both dogs are in their care and in good health, despite the traumatic circumstances.
Addressing the mistake in the official report, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Denise Womack-Avila acknowledged that an identification error may have occurred. “Our deputies don’t handle canines on a daily basis, and I cannot speak to the condition or state of the dog’s body upon discovery,” she said in a statement.
While this clarification helped ease concerns about the fate of Hackman and Arakawa’s pets, it also highlighted the challenges investigators face in piecing together the couple’s final days. The fact that their bodies went undiscovered for so long has sparked speculation about what may have transpired in their isolated Santa Fe home.
Authorities are now awaiting toxicology and autopsy results to determine the exact cause of death for both Hackman and Arakawa. These reports could take several weeks to complete, and until then, law enforcement officials remain cautious about drawing definitive conclusions.
The loss of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa has left Hollywood and beyond in shock. Despite retiring from acting in the early 2000s, Hackman remained an enduring figure in film history. His absence from the public eye in his later years only added to the intrigue surrounding his death.
Friends and colleagues have paid tribute to the legendary actor, remembering him not only for his on-screen talent but also for the quiet, private life he shared with Arakawa. Their love story, lasting over 30 years, was one of Hollywood’s rare romances that stayed strong and largely out of the spotlight.
Fans worldwide continue to mourn the loss of a cinematic icon and his devoted wife as the investigation into their deaths continues. With many questions still unanswered, the coming weeks may provide more clarity regarding the circumstances of their final moments.