Investigation Continues into the Deaths of Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa
The investigation into the deaths of acclaimed actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, continues a week after they were discovered at their Santa Fe, New Mexico home. Authorities are working to unravel the circumstances surrounding their deaths, with several key questions remaining unanswered.
On Wednesday, February 26th, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Hackman residence and found both Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa deceased, along with their dog. The scene presented a number of unsettling details, outlined in a search warrant that has since been made public. Gene Hackman, the legendary star of "The French Connection" and countless other iconic films, was found in a mudroom near his cane. Betsy Arakawa was located in an open bathroom, near a space heater.
Adding to the mystery, investigators noted an open prescription bottle and scattered pills on a nearby countertop. Arakawa’s physical condition was particularly grim, described as exhibiting signs of body decomposition, facial bloating, and mummification of her hands and feet. These details have intensified the scrutiny surrounding the case and fueled speculation about the possible causes of death.
The investigation remains active, with authorities diligently pursuing various leads. While a definitive cause of death has not yet been determined, preliminary findings have ruled out some potential factors. An extensive investigation by the New Mexico Gas Company, conducted on the same day the bodies were discovered, has effectively eliminated the possibility of a gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning within the home.
The Sheriff’s Office released a statement indicating that the gas company’s investigation yielded "no significant findings." While no lethal gas leak was detected, the gas company did issue five "red tags." One tag was for a minuscule gas leak (0.33% gas in air – not a lethal amount) at one of the stove burners. The remaining four red tags were related to code enforcement violations, specifically involving a water heater and gas log lighters installed in three fireplaces. These violations were not related to gas leaks or carbon monoxide.
Despite the red tags, the Sheriff’s Office emphasized that these findings "are not believed to be a factor in the deaths of Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa, or their dog." The results of the gas company’s investigation have been forwarded to the Office of the Medical Investigator for further consideration. The department had previously ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning based on initial negative test results.
Adding another layer to the timeline, Hackman’s pacemaker provided a potentially crucial piece of information. Data retrieved from the device indicated that his last recorded event occurred on February 17, 2025, suggesting that this may have been the date of his death.
As the investigation progresses, family members are urging caution against premature speculation. Tim Hackman, the actor’s nephew, spoke with Us Weekly and stressed the family’s desire to wait for all the facts to emerge before drawing any conclusions. "We’re waiting on toxicology. That will tell us everything," he said. "It’s hard to theorize. There are lots of theories out there and I don’t want to speculate. It’s easy to speculate negative theories." He added, "The family wants to keep it positive for now and when we know the truth we will deal with it."
Tim Hackman also expressed concern about the circumstances in which his uncle was found, suggesting they have raised questions. "My uncle was 95 years old at an age where you think about, OK, it’s time," he told Us Weekly. "But from the circumstances now things have changed a bit. It’s a major change."
Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie Hackman, and granddaughter Annie, released a joint statement expressing their profound grief. "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy," they said. "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."
Gene Hackman, a titan of the silver screen, shared three adult children with his ex-wife, Faye Maltese: Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie.
Andy Wells, a flight instructor who had the opportunity to fly with Hackman, shared his memories of the couple with Fox News. He recalled meeting Hackman and Arakawa in 1987, several years before their marriage in 1991. Wells described the couple as inseparable. "The two of them were joined at the hip practically," Wells said. "So, if he became reclusive, I think she did, too. And she was very quiet. Anyway, if she went out on her own and was in the same grocery store with me, it would be easy to not see her. She was small and quiet and very, very focused. I thought she was great." Wells also remembered Arakawa as "so sweet and beautiful and smart."
The deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa have left a void in the hearts of family, friends, and fans worldwide. As the investigation unfolds, the hope is that answers will emerge to shed light on the circumstances surrounding their passing and bring closure to those who mourn their loss.
