Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa's Bodies Test Negative for Carbon Monoxide; Hackman's Pacemaker Stopped on Feb. 17
The deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, remain under investigation, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adam Mendoza shared at a press conference Friday afternoon. In a statement, Mendoza stated that both Hackman and Arakawa's bodies tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning.
The sheriff also disclosed that Hackman's pacemaker recorded its 'last event' on Feb. 17, meaning that it is currently assumed that that is the date that the actor died. Mendoza said there remains uncertainty over the order of the couple's deaths.
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Final toxicology and autopsy reports remain pending — a process that Mendoza says 'could take months.' Initial findings indicate that there was 'no external trauma to either individual.'
In their investigation, authorities collected two green cellphones, two bottles of medication, one bottle of over-the-counter Tylenol, a request for medical records and a 2025 monthly planner for evidentiary purposes. The sheriff also stated that they have found no security, inside or outside the residence, that can be collected as evidence to help determine a timeline. Authorities will continue to conduct interviews with workers within the couple's gated community.
The bodies of Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were discovered, along with one of the couple's dogs, in their Santa Fe, N.M. home Wednesday afternoon. Authorities initially stated that foul play was not suspected, but the death of the couple was later deemed 'suspicious' by investigators in a search warrant affidavit.
Hackman and Arakawa were found after a maintenance worker contacted neighborhood security to perform a welfare check. Arakawa was discovered lying on a bathroom floor; a prescription pill bottle was open on the countertop, with pills scattered nearby. Hackman was found in the mudroom, adjacent to the kitchen. A German Shepherd was also discovered in a bathroom closet, near Arakawa's body. Two healthy dogs remained on the property and the county Animal Control Division was summoned to ensure their safety of the two dogs, per the Sheriff's Office.
Authorities initially shared that Arakawa's body 'showed obvious signs of death, body decomposition, bloating in her face and mummification in both hands and feet.' Hackman's body was 'similar and consistent with the female decedent.'
Per the investigation, the fire department and gas company deemed that there were 'no obvious signs of a gas leak,' which could've caused carbon monoxide poisoning. The toxicology findings announced Friday further confirm that determination.
Gene Hackman's daughter, Leslie Anne Hackman, spoke to The Daily Mail after her father's death and said he was 'in very good physical condition' despite his old age:
'Despite his age, he was in very good physical condition,' Leslie said about her father, adding that he did not have any major surgeries in the last few months before his death. Given that Hackman was 95 years old, Leslie shared she was aware that it's 'not terribly shocking,' but said that Arakawa and her father had 'a wonderful marriage' adding, 'She took very, very good care of him and was always looking out for his health. … So I am appreciative to her for that, and I'm very saddened by her passing.'
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