Actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their secluded home near Santa Fe, N.M., nine days before they were discovered. According to Sheriff Adan Mendoza, a pathologist determined that the couple’s pacemaker showed last activity on Feb. 17, indicating Mr. Hackman likely died then.
The investigation has not found evidence of carbon monoxide poisoning, and initial findings did not show any signs of external trauma or foul play. The couple’s home was found to have common medication, medical records, cellphones, and a planner, which investigators are analyzing to piece together the events leading up to their deaths.
Sheriff Mendoza stated that it could take three months or longer to receive toxicology results, which will be crucial in determining how the couple died. The sheriff also mentioned that the couple had grown more reclusive in recent years, friends said.
The maintenance worker who arrived at the couple’s house on Wednesday afternoon reported last having contact with them about two weeks prior. One of Mr. Hackman’s daughters from his first marriage described him as being in “good health” for 95, noting that he still practiced Pilates and yoga.
Despite the lack of surveillance cameras outside their home, investigators are trying to figure out who last had contact with the couple and when. The investigation is ongoing, and it remains unclear how the couple died.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/28/us/gene-hackman-death-investigation-medications-planner.html