Gene Hackman’s Mysterious Death: Unanswered Questions and Investigation Hurdles

Days after Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found deceased inside their Santa Fe, New Mexico home, investigators are still working to crack the mystery of their deaths. The discovery, made on February 26, has left many questions unanswered, with authorities deeming the deaths "suspicious."

The couple, along with their dog, had reportedly been dead for over a week before their bodies were discovered. While the cause of death remains undisclosed, Sheriff Adan Mendoza of Santa Fe County admitted piecing together a timeline has proven to be a challenge, noting the couple’s reclusive lifestyle.

"We’re essentially working backward," Mendoza said during a press conference. Starting from the time of death and autopsy results, investigators hope to trace events that led up to the tragic day. Cellphones, a 2025 planner, and other personal belongings have been seized to aid in reconstructing the timeline.

Arakawa was found in the bathroom, lying on the floor next to a space heater. Authorities noted "obvious signs of death," including bloating and mummification. Hackman, meanwhile, was discovered in the mudroom, appearing to have collapsed suddenly. A cane and sunglasses were found near him. Both showed no external trauma.

The couple tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning, and the home was cleared of any leaks by the Santa Fe City Fire Department and New Mexico Gas Company. Hackman’s pacemaker recorded its last activity on February 17, which authorities believe marked his final day alive.

Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden weighed in, suggesting Hackman’s death was likely caused by cardiac arrest due to severe heart disease. Arakawa’s death raises more questions, with Baden speculating she may have fallen and suffered internal injuries while attempting to help her husband, or potentially experienced her own cardiac event from the stress.

A prescription bottle and scattered pills were found near Arakawa’s body, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation. No external injuries were noted on her body, and authorities are still piecing together the events surrounding her death.

The couple’s discovery was made by longtime contractor Jesse Kesler and his colleague Roland Lowe Begay, who last communicated with Hackman and Arakawa two weeks prior. Kesler, clearly shaken, expressed his heartbreak in a heartfelt statement, calling the couple generous and kind. He fondly remembered Hackman’s humility and Arakawa’s love for dogs and compassion.

While the investigation continues, the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa remain a tragic mystery, with authorities and fans alike searching for answers to this deeply unsettling case.