New revelations have emerged regarding the passing of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. Initial conclusions from the coroner offer a glimpse into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Detective Roy Arndt stated in a search warrant application that the circumstances were “suspicious enough to warrant a search and thorough investigation” to the judge.

Tragic Discovery

The bodies of the couple were found by two workers. Arakawa was lying on the bathroom floor, with a bottle of pills open on the counter and pills scattered nearby. Hackman was discovered in a room adjacent to the kitchen, with sunglasses by his side.

Detective Arndt noted indications suggesting both might have collapsed. Additionally, a deceased dog was found in the bathroom closet near Arakawa’s body. Two healthy dogs were also on the property—one next to Arakawa and another roaming freely. The front door of the house was open, yet there were no signs of forced entry.

Checking for Safety

Firefighters and a gas company were called to inspect for potential natural gas leaks that could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. They found no evidence of leaks, and Arndt wrote, “there were no conspicuous signs of a gas leak.”

Arndt added, “He considers the circumstances surrounding the deaths suspicious enough to require a search and thorough investigation.”

Understanding the Circumstances

The timeline of Arakawa and Hackman’s deaths remains unclear. Arakawa’s body showed “signs of bodily decomposition, facial bloating, and mummification” of the hands and feet. Hackman’s condition was reportedly similar.

Preliminary investigations indicated that neither showed signs of external trauma, with official cause of death still under investigation.

A Legacy’s End

Hackman, aged 95, a celebrated two-time Oscar-winning movie star, and his spouse Betsy Arakawa, aged 65, were found dead—alongside one of their dogs—at their Santa Fe, New Mexico home. Police reported no visible signs of criminal activity.

“In the early hours of Thursday, February 27, 2025, Hackman and Arakawa were transported to the Coroner’s Office. Autopsies were conducted, revealing no external injuries on either individual,” stated the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.

Official autopsy findings and toxicology tests are pending. Investigations into the circumstances and causes of death continue, according to the sheriff’s office.

Ensuring Complete Safety Checks

Following the grim discovery and acquisition of a search warrant, New Mexico Gas Company tested gas lines in and around the home. Despite no identified issues, a police detective mentioned that individuals exposed to gas leaks or carbon monoxide may not visibly show poisoning signs.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s initial statements declared “at this time, we do not suspect these deaths were caused by a criminal act; however, the precise cause of death has not yet been determined.” Authorities confirmed they are exploring all possibilities.

The sheriff’s office requested a search warrant Wednesday evening due to the deaths being “sufficiently suspicious to merit a search and thorough investigation,” citing a custodial worker discovering the bodies with the front door ajar and no evidence of forced entry.

Reflections on Loss

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza mentioned in a press conference that Hackman and Arakawa “had been deceased for some time,” although the exact duration is uncertain.

Efforts to determine the last time the couple interacted with others are ongoing, according to the sheriff.

Court deputies found Hackman in a hallway near the kitchen and Arakawa, along with a caged dog, in a bathroom with scattered pill bottles, noted Reuters.

Both Hackman and Arakawa appeared to have suddenly fallen, with no signs of blunt force trauma noted in the report.

A Family’s Grief

Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, and granddaughter, Annie, shared their heartfelt message: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy. He was loved and admired by millions worldwide for his stellar acting career, but to us, he was always just dad and granddad. We will miss him greatly and are devastated by this loss.”

Gene Hackman and pianist Betsy Arakawa were married in 1991.

A Retrospective on a Star’s Influence

Hackman, a Hollywood icon, received two Oscars, three Golden Globes, and two BAFTA awards over several acting decades.

He appeared in over 80 films and television and theater productions throughout a lengthy career that began in the early 1960s.

The community’s thoughts and reflections are encouraged. Please share your comments and opinions with us as we remember and celebrate the remarkable lives of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.