Investigation Continues into the Deaths of Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa

Days after the discovery of Hollywood icon Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, deceased inside their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department is diligently working to unravel the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The couple, along with their dog, were found on February 26th, prompting authorities to launch a "suspicious death" investigation.

While official causes of death are still pending, investigators believe both Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, had been deceased for over a week before their bodies were discovered. Sheriff Adan Mendoza described the investigation as working backwards, attempting to build a timeline starting from the time of death using autopsy results and other evidence.

Mendoza acknowledged the challenge posed by the couple’s reclusive lifestyle, emphasizing the difficulty in establishing a timeline of events leading up to their deaths. The Sheriff emphasized that they are trying to piece together when the couple was last spoken to.

Piecing Together the Puzzle

As part of their investigation, authorities seized two cell phones and a 2025 planner from the Hackman residence. Sheriff Mendoza confirmed that investigators are analyzing the cell phone data, including call logs, text messages, and photos, in an effort to construct a detailed timeline.

The discovery of the bodies painted a grim picture. Arakawa was found in the bathroom, lying on the floor with a space heater nearby. According to the search warrant affidavit, officers noted "obvious signs of death" including bloating and mummification. Hackman was found in the mudroom, appearing to have fallen suddenly, with a cane and sunglasses near his head. He also displayed similar signs of advanced decomposition.

Investigators were quick to rule out carbon monoxide poisoning as a potential cause of death. A thorough inspection of the residence by the Santa Fe City Fire Department revealed no evidence of a carbon monoxide leak. The New Mexico Gas Company also found no issues with gas pipes in or around the home.

The Pacemaker and a Possible Timeline

A significant clue emerged regarding Hackman’s health: the last recorded activity on his pacemaker occurred on February 17th. Sheriff Mendoza stated that authorities are operating under the assumption that this was Hackman’s last day of life, nine days before his body was discovered.

Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden offered his insights into the potential role of the pacemaker in Hackman’s death. He suggested that the pacemaker’s records could indicate a cardiac arrest caused by an abnormal pulse rate. Baden further speculated that Hackman likely suffered from severe heart disease, a common cause of death, which could have led to his collapse in the mudroom.

Speculation and Potential Scenarios

The discovery of an open prescription bottle and scattered pills on the bathroom counter near Arakawa’s body has fueled speculation about a possible connection to her death. Among the medications found were thyroid medication, blood pressure medication, and Tylenol.

Dr. Baden proposed a scenario in which Arakawa, upon finding Hackman in distress, might have rushed to retrieve his medication. In her haste, she could have fallen and sustained an internal head injury, leading to her death. Alternatively, he suggested that Arakawa, at 65, could have also suffered from underlying heart disease, and the stress of the situation could have triggered a fatal cardiac event. Authorities have reported that there was no apparent external trauma on Arakawa’s body.

Heartbreak and Remembrance

The couple’s bodies were discovered by maintenance workers Jesse Kesler and Roland Lowe Begay. Kesler, who had worked as a personal contractor for Hackman and Arakawa for 16 years, made the 911 call. Both Kesler and Begay stated they had last been in contact with the couple two weeks prior to the discovery. They said they primarily communicated with Arakawa regarding routine maintenance.

Kesler issued a heartfelt statement expressing his sorrow and gratitude for the years of friendship and trust he shared with Gene and Betsy Hackman.

"Gene and Betsy, Thank you for the 16 plus years of opportunity, friendship and trust. Gene Hackman, thank you for lending a hand on projects over the years. I could not believe at the time I was actually working side by side with a legend. Thank you for treating my sons and employees so well and as equals. When on the job you were just another one of the guys. Thank you for all the stories which I will always remember and will cherish forever," he wrote.

He continued, "Betsy Hackman, thank you for the years of friendship, generosity, opportunity and trust. Thank you for your love for dogs, including my own. Thank you for all the advice and consoling. Thank you for being such a beautiful person. You both will always be near and dear to my heart and greatly missed. Love you Both!"

The investigation into the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa remains ongoing as authorities meticulously piece together the events leading up to their discovery. The challenge of investigating the deaths of these very private individuals is evident, but authorities remain committed to determining what occurred in their Santa Fe home.