Investigations into the deaths of renowned actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, a classical pianist, are still ongoing by authorities in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The couple and one of their three pets were found dead in their home on February 26, 2025. The circumstances surrounding their death have been considered suspicious, leading to a thorough investigation. “
When maintenance personnel performing a welfare check discovered the front door was open and unlocked, they discovered the couple’s bodies. They spotted Arakawa in a restroom and Hackman close to the entrance. There were drugs on the floor and an open prescription medication bottle close to Arakawa’s body, according to reports. She was also near a space heater, which raised concerns about its possible connection to the occurrence. Two of the couple’s three dogs were found alive and in good health, but one was discovered dead. “
Both serious gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning were ruled out as causes in the initial evaluations. After a preliminary inspection by the New Mexico Gas Company and the Santa Fe Fire Department, they found a small gas leak next to a stove burner, resulting in 0.33 percent gas in the air. But this level, according to specialists, was not high enough to be lethal. Additionally, tests for carbon monoxide poisoning revealed no symptoms, ruling out an undetected leak as the main culprit. “
According to autopsies, neither Hackman nor Arakawa had any external trauma. Toxicology reports could take months to complete, and authorities are waiting for their results. To find out what caused the couple’s death, investigators are carefully going over personal documents, medical records, and other evidence found in the home. “
A number of theories have been put out by forensic specialists in relation to the couple’s deaths. One theory is that Hackman, who had a pacemaker and a history of heart illness, might have died suddenly from cardiac arrest after finding his wife’s body. Arakawa may have died in an accident while trying to help her husband, according to another scenario. Investigators are still looking into every possibility while they wait for the findings of a thorough autopsy and toxicology. “
Known for his roles in “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven,” Gene Hackman won two Academy Awards. He had mostly avoided the spotlight, living with his wife at their Santa Fe home, and had retired from acting in 2004. The pair had been wed since 1991, and many people respected their long-lasting union. Tributes to Hackman’s incredible career and the couple’s enduring love have been flooding in, and fans and Hollywood colleagues have expressed deep sadness over the sudden loss. “
As the inquiry proceeds, many people are waiting for further information to clarify this unfortunate incident. Authorities are still determined to find the real reason for their deaths and make sure that no important information is missed. We send our warmest condolences and thoughts to the family and friends of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa during this trying time.
