Mystery Surrounds Gene Hackman’s Death: Authorities Investigate Suspicious Circumstances

The circumstances surrounding the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman, 94, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 84, remain shrouded in mystery as Santa Fe, New Mexico, authorities meticulously work to unravel the puzzle. One week after the couple was discovered deceased in their Santa Fe home, investigators are proceeding with caution, piecing together evidence to determine the cause of their deaths.

The investigation, described as "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search," according to a search warrant affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital, has left family members hesitant to jump to conclusions. Tim Hackman, the late Oscar winner’s nephew, stated that the family is refraining from speculating about the potential causes of death, preferring to await the official findings of the investigation.

No Carbon Monoxide: Focus Shifts to Toxicology

One initial concern was swiftly ruled out: carbon monoxide poisoning. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed at a press conference that both Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for the colorless, odorless gas. The residence was thoroughly inspected by the Santa Fe City Fire Department, which found no evidence of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning.

With carbon monoxide eliminated as a factor, the focus of the investigation has shifted to toxicology reports. "We’re waiting on toxicology. That will tell us everything," Tim Hackman told Us Weekly, emphasizing the importance of these tests in determining the cause of death. "It’s hard to theorize," he added, acknowledging the prevalence of speculation but expressing a desire to avoid fueling negative assumptions. "There are lots of theories out there and I don’t want to speculate. It’s easy to speculate negative theories," he said. "The family wants to keep it positive for now and when we know the truth we will deal with it."

Maintenance Workers Discover the Bodies

The discovery of Hackman and Arakawa was made by maintenance workers Jesse Kesler and Roland Lowe Begay. Kesler, who had worked as a personal contractor for the couple for 16 years, placed the frantic 911 call on February 26th, alerting authorities to the situation. The content of that 911 call has since been released, offering a glimpse into the urgency and distress of the moment.

Evidence Collected: Pills, Phones, and a Planner

Detectives conducting the search of the residence recovered several items of potential interest, including two cellphones, an orange prescription bottle, and a 2025 planner. These items are currently being analyzed as part of the investigation, with experts suggesting that even seemingly innocuous details like phone records, pill types, and entries in the planner could provide crucial clues.

Pacemaker Activity and Decomposition

Sheriff Mendoza confirmed that the last recorded activity on Hackman’s pacemaker occurred on February 17th. Based on this information and the state of decomposition of the bodies, authorities are assuming that February 17th was Hackman’s last day alive, as his body was not discovered for nine more days. "According to the pathologist, I think that is a very good assumption that that was his last day of life," Mendoza stated during the press conference.

Officials also revealed the advanced state of decomposition of Arakawa’s body, noting bloating on her face and mummification in her hands and feet. Hackman’s body exhibited similar signs of decomposition, indicating that both individuals had been deceased for a significant period before their discovery.

Dog Breed Misidentification: Acknowledging an Investigative Misstep

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department acknowledged a misstep in the investigation, related to the identification of the dog found deceased in the Hackman home. The dog, discovered near Arakawa’s body, was initially identified as a German Shepherd in the search warrant affidavit.

However, the owner of Santa Fe Tails, the pet care facility that took in Hackman’s two other surviving dogs, clarified that the deceased dog was a mixed breed, named Zinna, found in a kennel in a bathroom closet near Arakawa. Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Denise Womack-Avila acknowledged the error, attributing it to the deputies’ lack of specialized canine knowledge. "Our deputies, they don’t work with canines on a daily basis," she said, according to The Associated Press.

Awaiting Answers: Toxicology Reports Hold the Key

As the investigation continues, the focus remains firmly on the toxicology reports. These reports are expected to provide critical insights into the potential presence of any substances that may have contributed to the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa. Until those results are available, the circumstances surrounding their passing will remain a mystery, leaving family, friends, and fans in suspense. The Santa Fe authorities are diligently pursuing every avenue of investigation to bring clarity and closure to this perplexing case.