On Friday, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza disclosed that Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman likely died 8 days before and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, was found dead.
The couple was found deceased inside their Santa Fe home, with evidence suggesting Hackman likely passed away nine days earlier.
Hackman, aged 95, had a pacemaker that last transmitted signals on February 17, indicating it might have been his final day alive, as per the findings reported by a pathologist during a press conference. While the specific causes of death remain undetermined, initial tests for carbon monoxide poisoning came back negative. The circumstances of who died first are still unclear, as the couple was discovered in separate rooms.
Hackman and Arakawa had been part of Santa Fe’s community since the 1980s, contributing to its art and culinary scenes. In recent years, however, their visibility has diminished as Hackman, known for his deteriorating health, and Arakawa, a pianist, lead increasingly private lives.
Discovery and Scene Details
The discovery was made by a caretaker who noticed the couple through a window of their gated community home. Upon arrival, sheriff’s deputies found Hackman in the kitchen and Arakawa, alongside a dog, in a bathroom surrounded by scattered pills from an open prescription bottle. No signs of blunt force trauma were evident, though one door at the back of the house was found ajar.
Read: Investigation Details Emerge in the Deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa
Sheriff Mendoza has requested a thorough toxicology report to analyze the pills and other medications found at the scene, highlighting their potential significance in the investigation. This analysis could take up to three months or more to complete.
Gene Hackman, a celebrated actor with a career spanning several decades, earned Oscars for his roles in classics like “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven.” His contribution to film and his vibrant legacy remain undisputed as the community and fans worldwide mourn his loss.
