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Timeline of Events
Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 64, were tragically found dead in their New Mexico home on February 26, 2025. Authorities have since revealed that Hackman’s pacemaker stopped recording his heart’s activity nine days earlier, on February 17, 2025. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza shared this information during a press conference, stating that the pacemaker data suggests Hackman’s last day of life was likely February 17.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza spoke about Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s deaths during a press conference Friday.Santa Fe County Sheriff
The couple’s bodies were discovered after a maintenance worker, unable to get a response at the residence, contacted neighborhood security to perform a welfare check. Security personnel observed Hackman and Arakawa unresponsive through a window and called 911. Officers entered the home through an unlocked door and found the couple deceased, along with one of their three dogs.
Hackman and Arakawa were found dead in their New Mexico home Wednesday. He was 95 and she was 64.Dave Lewis/Shutterstock
Preliminary Findings
Sheriff Mendoza confirmed that no foul play is suspected, though the deaths have been deemed “suspicious” as investigators work to piece together the timeline. Initial autopsy results showed no signs of external trauma, and both Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning. A gas company also found no evidence of a carbon monoxide leak in the home.Arakawa’s body was found in the bathroom, where pills were scattered on the countertop. Her body showed signs of decomposition, including “mummification” in her hands and feet and bloating in her face. Hackman’s body was discovered in a separate room near the kitchen, with sunglasses lying nearby, suggesting he may have fallen.
Medications and Evidence
Authorities confiscated multiple medications from the home, including Tylenol, a thyroid medication, and Diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure or chest pain. Due to HIPAA laws, Sheriff Mendoza could not disclose further details about the medications. Investigators also retrieved two cell phones from the residence, which are being analyzed with the help of other agencies.Board-certified forensic pathologist Priya Banerjee told Page Six that it is too early to determine a cause of death, as there are many variables to consider. She noted that the decomposition of Arakawa’s body could have been influenced by the temperature inside the house.
The Fate of Their Dogs
One of the couple’s three dogs was found dead in a crate or kennel in a closet, likely from dehydration. The two surviving dogs were discovered in a separate part of the house and have since been secured by Santa Fe Animal Control in collaboration with Hackman and Arakawa’s family members.
Family Statement
Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth Hackman and Leslie Hackman, along with his granddaughter, Annie Hackman, released a heartfelt statement:
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy. He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”
Legacy of Gene Hackman
Gene Hackman was a two-time Academy Award-winning actor, celebrated for his roles in films such as The French Connection and Unforgiven. After retiring from acting in 2004, Hackman lived a quieter life with Arakawa, a classical pianist, in their New Mexico home. The couple had been married since 1991 and shared a deep bond that spanned over three decades.
Ongoing Investigation
While the investigation continues, authorities are awaiting full autopsy results, which are expected in the coming weeks. Sheriff Mendoza emphasized the importance of examining all evidence, including the medications and pacemaker data, to determine the exact circumstances of the couple’s deaths.The tragic loss of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa has left fans and loved ones mourning the end of an era. As the investigation unfolds, the world remembers Hackman not only for his legendary career but also for the quiet life he shared with his beloved wife.
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