New Developments in the Investigation of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s Deaths
The investigation into the tragic deaths of Hollywood icon Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, has taken an unexpected turn as law enforcement acknowledges a mistake made at the crime scene. As the details surrounding their passing continue to unfold, family, friends, and fans are left searching for answers. The couple’s bodies were discovered at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday, February 27, leading police to initially rule out foul play. However, subsequent developments have initiated a full investigation into the circumstances of their deaths. Reports indicate that Hackman and Arakawa had been deceased for an extended period before being found, with some sources noting signs of partial mummification. Furthermore, one of their beloved dogs was also discovered deceased in the home.
Hackman, a two-time Academy Award-winning actor celebrated for films such as The French Connection, Unforgiven, and Superman, was 95 at the time of his passing. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, a former concert pianist and his partner for over three decades, was found in a different area of the residence. Hackman’s body was located in a mudroom, while Arakawa was found in the bathroom near a bottle of prescription pills—an important detail highlighted by Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza.
In the aftermath of their deaths, Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, expressed her family’s uncertainty about the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, suggesting that carbon monoxide poisoning might be a factor. “The house is fairly modern, built in 2000,” Elizabeth stated in an interview with TMZ. “But we don’t know if there were any issues with gas leaks or if any recent service calls were made.”
However, investigators have since discounted carbon monoxide poisoning as a potential cause. The Santa Fe City Fire Department conducted tests throughout the home and found no signs of gas leaks or hazardous gas levels. An independent inspection by the New Mexico Gas Company corroborated these findings.
To establish a timeline, authorities examined data from Hackman’s pacemaker, confirming that its last recorded heartbeat occurred on February 17, suggesting that he likely passed away that day—over a week before his remains were discovered.
As forensic examination continues, a significant error in the initial police report has come to light. Investigators had mistakenly identified the deceased dog found in the home as a German Shepherd, leading friends of the couple to assume it was Bear, their long-time pet, who had died alongside them. An animal chiropractor familiar with Hackman and Arakawa’s pets later clarified that Bear is alive. According to USA Today, the dog found deceased was actually Zinna, a 12-year-old Australian Kelpie mix, raising questions about the accuracy of the initial investigation.
Following the couple’s passing, their other two dogs, Bear and Nikita, were taken into care by the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society, with a spokesperson assuring that both dogs are in good condition despite the circumstances.
In response to the misidentification, Denise Womack-Avila, a spokesperson for the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, acknowledged the possibility of an error: “Our deputies do not deal with canines daily, and I cannot currently speak to the condition or state of the dog’s body upon discovery.”
Although this clarification alleviated concerns about the fate of the couple’s pets, it also underscored the challenges investigators face in piecing together the final days of Hackman and Arakawa. The prolonged time before their bodies were found has spurred speculation regarding the events that transpired in their secluded home.
Authorities are currently awaiting toxicology and autopsy results to ascertain the exact causes of death for both Hackman and Arakawa. These reports may take weeks to finalize, and law enforcement officials are exercising caution in making definitive statements until the findings are available.
The loss of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond. Even after stepping back from acting in the early 2000s, Hackman remained a revered figure in film history. His absence from public life in recent years only deepened the mystery surrounding his passing.
Tributes from friends and colleagues have poured in, with many recalling him not only for his remarkable talent on screen but also for the private life he cherished with Arakawa. Their enduring love story
