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

The circumstances surrounding the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, remain under investigation in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home. While authorities have stated that foul play is not currently suspected, the situation is described as "suspicious," prompting ongoing inquiries to determine the precise timeline and cause of death for the couple.

Hackman, 94, an Oscar-winning actor renowned for his roles in films like "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven," and Arakawa, a talented pianist, were discovered dead in their residence on Wednesday. Along with the couple, one of their three dogs was also found deceased, adding another layer of complexity to the already puzzling scenario.

Details emerging from a search warrant affidavit paint a grim picture of the scene. Hackman was found in a mudroom, near his cane, suggesting a possible fall. Arakawa was located in an open bathroom, in close proximity to a space heater. An open prescription bottle and scattered pills were present on a nearby countertop. Disturbingly, the affidavit notes signs of decomposition on Arakawa’s body, including bloating in her face and mummification of her hands and feet.

Adding to the tragedy, one of the couple’s dogs was found deceased in a closet, a mere 15 feet from Arakawa. The two surviving dogs were found in the bathroom near Arakawa and outside the home, a detail that raises questions about their well-being in the days leading up to the discovery.

Initially, reports misidentified the dog that perished in the home. It was incorrectly stated that their German shepherd had died. However, USA TODAY has learned that the deceased dog was actually Zinna, a 12-year-old reddish Australian Kelpie mixed-breed. Zinna, who had a history of agility training and even competed at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, was found in a closed crate within the home. Joey Padilla, who transported the surviving dogs to his facility, Santa Fe Tails, confirmed the dog’s identity and the circumstances of her discovery.

The surviving dogs, Bear, a German shepherd, and Nikita, a 7-year-old Akita-shepherd mix, are now under the care of Santa Fe Tails. Their condition is being monitored, and they will likely be placed in new homes once the investigation concludes.

The Santa Fe Animal Shelter, the county agency responsible for housing animals found with deceased owners, has deferred all inquiries to the Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office. The Sheriffs Office has acknowledged the initial misidentification of the dog breed, suggesting it was a simple error made by deputies at the scene.

While the official cause of death remains undetermined, authorities are diligently working to piece together the events leading up to the couple’s demise. Early reports indicate that the couple may have been deceased for over a week before their bodies were discovered. This prolonged period complicates the investigation, making it more challenging to establish a precise timeline and determine the exact sequence of events.

Adding context to the circumstances, family friends Daniel and Barbara Lenihan shared insights into Gene Hackman’s declining health in an interview with People magazine, published on Friday. According to the Lenihans, Hackman’s condition had "really been slipping" in the months preceding his death.

While they refrained from disclosing specific details about his health issues, Daniel Lenihan noted that the actor had become "essentially kind of homebound." Barbara Lenihan added that Hackman had ceased his regular bike rides through their Santa Fe neighborhood. These observations suggest that Hackman’s mobility and overall well-being had deteriorated significantly in recent months, potentially contributing to the circumstances surrounding his death.

Hackman had resided in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for four decades, spending a significant portion of that time in the remodeled property where he and Arakawa were found. The couple’s home, a two-story green stucco estate, served as Hackman’s refuge after his retreat from Hollywood.

The residence, blending pueblo, colonial, and Spanish baroque styles, was meticulously rebuilt from the studs, with Hackman actively involved in the design process, as reported by Architectural Digest. The home was a reflection of Hackman’s personal taste and his desire for a peaceful and secluded environment.

The investigation into the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa is ongoing, with authorities committed to uncovering the truth behind this tragic event. The combination of factors, including Hackman’s declining health, the presence of prescription medication, the condition of Arakawa’s body, and the death of their dog, Zinna, creates a complex puzzle that investigators are diligently working to solve. While foul play is not currently suspected, the "suspicious" circumstances warrant a thorough and comprehensive investigation to provide clarity and closure to the couple’s family and friends.

The legacy of Gene Hackman, a celebrated actor who graced the silver screen with his talent and charisma, will undoubtedly endure. However, the mystery surrounding his death and that of his wife, Betsy Arakawa, will likely linger until all the facts are established and a definitive explanation is provided.