Investigation Continues into the Deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa

The investigation into the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, continues in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with authorities meticulously examining the circumstances surrounding their discovery on February 26th. While initial concerns centered on the possibility of a gas leak, investigators have largely ruled this out as a contributing factor, based on findings from the New Mexico Gas Company’s (NMGC) thorough investigation.

According to an update released by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, the NMGC conducted an extensive inspection of the Hackman residence on the evening of February 26th, focusing on potential gas leaks and carbon monoxide presence. The results of this investigation revealed no significant gas leaks or elevated carbon monoxide levels that could have been fatal.

While the NMGC did issue five "red tags," only one was related to a minor gas leak. This leak, detected at one of the stove burners, was deemed "minuscule" and presented a gas concentration of only 0.33% in the air – a level that authorities have classified as non-lethal. The remaining four red tags were issued for code enforcement violations concerning a water heater and gas log lighters installed in three fireplaces. Crucially, these violations were not related to gas leaks or carbon monoxide issues.

The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that these findings are not believed to have played a role in the deaths of Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa, or their dog. Nevertheless, in accordance with standard protocol, the findings have been forwarded to the Office of the Medical Investigator for further consideration and analysis.

Prior to the NMGC’s investigation, the Sheriff’s Department had already dismissed carbon monoxide poisoning as a potential cause of death. Tests conducted at the scene came back negative for carbon monoxide exposure, further reducing the likelihood of a gas-related incident.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were discovered deceased, along with one of their dogs, by neighborhood security officials during a routine check of their Santa Fe home. Hackman’s pacemaker provided a crucial clue, revealing that its last recorded event occurred on February 17, 2025. The Sheriff’s Office stated that it is a "very good assumption" that this date marks Hackman’s last day of life, placing his death more than a week before his body was found.

The news of Hackman’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences and tributes from Hollywood colleagues and fans worldwide. While fond memories of the Oscar-winning actor were shared, the investigation into the circumstances surrounding his and Arakawa’s deaths continued to uncover troubling details.

According to a search warrant affidavit, authorities discovered Hackman’s body in a mudroom near his cane, suggesting a possible fall. Arakawa was found in an open bathroom near a space heater. An open prescription bottle and scattered pills were located on a nearby countertop.

The affidavit also detailed a grim scene observed by a deputy. Arakawa exhibited signs of "body decomposition," including "bloating in her face" and "mummification of her hands and feet." One of the couple’s dogs was found dead in a closet less than 15 feet from Arakawa, while two other dogs were found alive in the bathroom near Arakawa and outside the residence.

The combination of circumstances has led authorities to describe the situation as "suspicious," though they have also stated that "no foul play" is suspected at this time. This apparent contradiction highlights the complexity of the investigation and the need for thorough examination of all available evidence before drawing definitive conclusions.

The Medical Investigator will play a critical role in determining the causes and manners of death for both Hackman and Arakawa. Toxicology reports will be crucial in determining if any substances, prescription or otherwise, contributed to their deaths. The condition of Arakawa’s body, as described in the search warrant affidavit, suggests that her death may have occurred several days before the discovery. The timeline established by Hackman’s pacemaker data will also be compared with the physical evidence found at the scene.

Investigators will likely explore several potential scenarios. Given Hackman’s age and the presence of his cane, a fall leading to complications cannot be ruled out. Arakawa’s death is more complex, given the presence of prescription medication, the space heater, and the condition of her body. The circumstances surrounding the death of the dog found near Arakawa will also be scrutinized.

The investigation is expected to be a lengthy and complex process, as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the couple’s deaths. The Medical Investigator’s findings, along with the information gathered by the Sheriff’s Office, will be crucial in providing closure to the families and shedding light on the tragic circumstances surrounding the passing of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.