Police have released new details regarding the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, stating that both had been deceased for some time.
In a startling development that has captured national attention, authorities in Santa Fe, New Mexico, have released new details surrounding the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, 63-year-old Betsy Arakawa. The acclaimed actor—known for iconic roles in films such as The French Connection, Superman, and Enemy State—was 95 at the time of his death. The couple, who had been married since 1991, were discovered deceased in their Santa Fe home on Wednesday, with one of their three dogs also found dead.

According to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office and a recently issued search warrant, Hackman and Arakawa were located in separate rooms of their residence. Hackman was found in a mudroom, while his wife was discovered in a bathroom adjacent to a space heater. Investigators noted that neither had any visible signs of trauma or gunshot wounds. In the bathroom, officers reported finding an open prescription bottle along with scattered pills on the countertop.

Authorities have stated that the couple had likely been dead for some time before discovery, with some media reports suggesting that both bodies exhibited partial mummification. While the investigation is still ongoing, Hackman’s daughter Elizabeth has indicated that carbon monoxide poisoning is the suspected cause of death for both her father and Arakawa, as well as the family dog.

Circumstances of the Discovery

The discovery of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s bodies has raised many questions about the events leading up to their deaths. When law enforcement responded to reports from a concerned neighbor, they found the renowned actor and his wife in distinct parts of the home, seemingly undisturbed. Hackman’s body was discovered in a mudroom—a space typically used for storing outdoor clothing and gear—while Arakawa’s body was found in a bathroom located near a space heater. Investigators documented that no external injuries were visible on either body, and the scene did not exhibit any signs of a struggle.

Notably, a prescription bottle was found open on the bathroom counter, and various pills were scattered about. Although no definitive cause of death has yet been confirmed by forensic experts, early indications point toward carbon monoxide poisoning. This possibility has been further supported by Hackman’s daughter, who suggested that the toxic gas, likely emitted from a malfunctioning heating device or other source within the home, was responsible for the tragedy.

The Ongoing Investigation

Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa. In a search warrant issued by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, investigators detailed the layout of the home and noted that both bodies appeared to have been present for an extended period. The description of partial mummification observed by some news outlets has raised concerns that the victims had been deceased for longer than initially suspected.

The investigation is focusing on several key areas:

Cause of Death: Forensic teams are conducting thorough examinations of both bodies to determine the exact cause of death. While carbon monoxide poisoning is currently suspected, officials are awaiting laboratory results and additional expert analysis to confirm this theory.

Environmental Factors: Given that Arakawa’s body was found in a bathroom near a space heater, investigators are examining the condition and maintenance records of the home’s heating system. This includes checking for any malfunctions or irregularities that could have led to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide.

Timeline: Establishing the timeline of events is crucial. Authorities are working to determine how long Hackman and Arakawa had been deceased prior to their discovery. Witness statements, surveillance footage, and other evidence are being analyzed to narrow down the time of death.

Family Statements: Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth, has provided preliminary statements to law enforcement, offering insights into the family’s understanding of the events. Her remarks suggest that there had been concerns about the safety of the home and potential hazards that might have contributed to the tragedy.