Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico this week and now police have given a major update on the death investigation
Police have issued a major update on the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife.
The Oscar-winning actor, 95, was found dead at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico on Wednesday (February 26) with his musician wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, and one of their dogs. Their bodies were discovered in separate rooms of the property, decomposed and partially mummified.
Police said they suspected no “immediate” signs of foul play and a cause of death has not been confirmed. In a new update on the investigation, officials believe the pair died around 10 days before their bodies were found and confirmed an initial autopsy had revealed the bodies had tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning, despite a belief this could have caused their deaths.
In a news conference on Friday (February 28), Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said: “Good afternoon everybody, I am Sheriff Adan Mendoza, Sheriff for Santa Fe County New Mexico. On Wednesday, February 26 2025 at approximately 1.45pm Santa Fe County Sheriffs deputies were dispatched to 1425 Old Sunset Trail where Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arkawa, 65, and their dog were found deceased.
“An individual [who] arrived to do maintenance on the residence became concerned after receiving no answer and contacted neighbourhood security to conduct a welfare check. Security then checked on the residence and observed Mr Hackman and Ms Arakawa on the ground, unresponsive through a window and called 911.
“Deputies arrived and gained access where they observed a Ms Arakawa deceased. They continued the search of the home and located Mr Hackman in a separate area of the residence – also deceased.
“A German Shepherd was also found deceased and two other dogs, who appeared healthy, were located on the property. Deputies then secured the scene and notified the criminal investigations division. Due to the unusual circumstances of two desceadants [sic] there was a concern for scene safety.
“Santa Fe City Fire personnel and a New Mexico gas company were requested to the scene to test for carbon monoxide or other foreign elements. The scene was deemed safe and approximately 9.30pm a search warrant was issued and executed on the residence.
“Now, collected from the residence, from this search warrant; there were two green in colour cell phones, two bottles of medication, one bottle of over-the-counter Tylenol. My request, medical records, and a 2025 monthly planner calendar. Those items were secured from the residence for evidentiary purposes.
He continued: “The Santa Fe Animal Control Division worked with family to ensure the safety of the two dogs. Investigation personel worked dilegently throguh the night and morning to preserve the scene for evidence. It should be noted there were no apparent signs of foul play. In the early hours on February 27 2025 Mr Hackman and Ms Arakawa were transported to the office of the medical investigator.
“An autopsy was performed. Initial findings noted: no external trauma to either individual, the manner and cause of death has not been determined. Official results of the autopsy and toxicology reports are pending. Just today, I spoke to Dr Jarell, the pathologist from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator – this was at 2pm today.”
The sheriff then explained Hackman’s pacemaker stopped working on February 17. “She advised that were several tests admitted to be expedited,” he went on. “She revealed to me the following information; both individuals tested negative for carbon monoxide. An initial interrogation was conducted of Mr Hackman’s pacemaker, this revealed that his last event was recorded on February 17 2025.
“I was advised that a more thorough investigation will be completed. That will conclude my statement, I will take a few questions. Just so everybody knows this is an active investigation still.”
Mendoza previously revealed: “There was no immediate sign of foul play. Haven’t ruled that out yet. This is an investigation, so we’re keeping everything on the table.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
