In Santa Fe, New Mexico, the community is left with more questions than answers after the mysterious deaths of revered actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. They both tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning, yet their cause of death is still undetermined, according to Sheriff Aden Mendoza, who is at the helm of the ongoing investigation.
Hackman, who was 95, had likely been deceased for over a week before being discovered. His pacemaker recorded its last activity on February 17, a full nine days before maintenance and security staff found the couple during a routine check on their home. Arakawa, 65, was found with their German shepherd, also deceased, nearby, leaving authorities perplexed but with no signs of foul play.
Initial autopsy findings confirmed that there was no visible trauma on Hackman or Arakawa. Conversations with a pathologist from the state medical office corroborated the negative tests for carbon monoxide. While the exact cause or manner of their deaths remains unknown, it falls to the medical investigators to piece together the details, Sheriff Mendoza stated.
Dr. Philip Keen, previously chief medical examiner in Arizona, explained that if a pacemaker ceases to function, it might mark the time of death, though not conclusively. Factors like whether the pacemaker was essential for heart function determine its relevance in such cases.
Investigations are focusing on establishing the last contact anyone had with Hackman and Arakawa, who were notably private individuals. Sheriff Mendoza remarked that no surveillance footage was available from their home, located in a gated community, to assist in determining a timeline of events.
During Friday’s press conference, authorities released limited additional details. Court records indicated that a search of the home unearthed several medications, including those for high blood pressure and chest pain, amidst other personal items. Detectives expressed in their search warrant that the circumstances were suspicious enough to warrant a comprehensive investigation.
Authorities dismissed the presence of gas leaks in the home, though a space heater was found next to Arakawa, hinting at a potential accident. It was maintenance staff who, unable to enter the home, first called for emergency services after noticing through a window that Arakawa was lying on the ground, and the situation was reported as dire.
Gene Hackman, a cinematic legend and five-time Oscar nominee, left an indelible mark on the film industry with roles ranging from iconic heroes to formidable villains. His accolades include leading actor for 1972’s “The French Connection” and supporting actor for “Unforgiven” in 1992. He and Arakawa, a classically trained pianist, moved to Santa Fe in the late 1980s, where they lived a quiet life away from the spotlight.
While Hackman’s previous marriage resulted in three children, he and Arakawa shared their serene life with German shepherds. Over the years, Hackman’s appearances became rarer, and he maintained a low profile until his unexpected passing. The investigation continues as the community mourns the loss of a cultural icon.
