Investigation Update: Gene Hackman and Wife Found Dead in Santa Fe Home

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department has released an update on its investigation into the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, nearly a week after their bodies were discovered at their secluded home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The investigation, described as "suspicious" by authorities, is attempting to piece together the events leading up to the couple’s deaths.

According to a press release obtained by Fox News Digital, the New Mexico Gas Company (NMGC) conducted a thorough investigation for gas leaks and carbon monoxide at the Hackman residence on February 26, 2025. This investigation occurred shortly after the discovery of the bodies. The NMGC’s assessment yielded "no significant findings" related to dangerous gas levels.

The gas company did identify a minuscule gas leak (0.33% gas in air) emanating from one of the stove burners. However, authorities have emphasized that this level of gas is not considered lethal. In addition to the minor leak, the NMGC issued five "red tags" for code enforcement violations. These violations, unrelated to gas leaks or carbon monoxide, pertained to a water heater and gas log lighters installed in three fireplaces.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed at a press conference on Friday that both Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning. The Santa Fe City Fire Department also cleared the home after their initial assessment on February 26th, finding no evidence of carbon monoxide leaks or poisoning. The NMGC further verified that they found no signs or evidence of problems with gas pipes inside or around the property.

The Hackmans, along with one of their three dogs, were found deceased inside their home on February 26th. The couple’s longtime dog trainer confirmed that Zinfandel, nicknamed Zinna, their 12-year-old oldest dog, was the dog that died.

Betsy Arakawa was discovered on the floor in a bathroom within the home. According to a search warrant affidavit, various pills were scattered on a nearby counter, and a space heater was found on the floor adjacent to her. Officers noted "obvious signs of death," including bloating and mummification.

Gene Hackman was located in the couple’s mudroom. The search warrant affidavit indicates that Hackman had a cane with him and sunglasses were lying near his head. The actor also displayed similar "obvious signs of death."

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department is treating the deaths as "suspicious," prompting a comprehensive investigation. While the official causes of death for Hackman and Arakawa have not yet been determined, authorities believe the couple had been deceased for over a week before their bodies were found.

Sheriff Mendoza explained the challenges of the investigation, stating, "One of the things is, in an investigation we try to piece the timeline together, usually before the event happens, and that gives us a lot of information. But, in this case, it seems like we’re doing a reverse timeline. We’re doing a timeline from the time of death and the autopsy and the results. We’re going to start working our way backwards."

He further elaborated, "We’re going to do both and then hopefully make a determination as to what may have happened to both of the individuals."

The ongoing investigation will involve a thorough examination of the scene, toxicology reports from the autopsies, and interviews with individuals who knew the couple. Investigators are meticulously gathering evidence to reconstruct the events that transpired in the days and weeks leading up to the Hackmans’ deaths.

The discovery of scattered pills near Arakawa’s body and the presence of a space heater have raised questions that investigators are working to answer. The condition of both bodies suggests a significant period of time passed between their deaths and the discovery, further complicating the process of determining the exact circumstances.

The fact that authorities are approaching the timeline "in reverse" indicates the complexity of the case. Typically, investigations begin with the events leading up to a known incident. However, in this instance, investigators are starting with the end result – the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa – and working backward to establish a sequence of events.

The absence of a definitive cause of death thus far underscores the challenges faced by investigators. The investigation is ongoing and aims to provide clarity on the tragic deaths of the celebrated actor and his wife. The results of the autopsies, including toxicology reports, will be crucial in determining the cause and manner of their deaths. The Sheriff’s Department will continue to release information as it becomes available during the course of the investigation.

The community and fans around the world are mourning the loss of Gene Hackman, a legendary figure in the film industry, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The ongoing investigation seeks to provide answers and closure to their families and loved ones.