The sudden deaths of Hollywood icon Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, have left fans and investigators searching for answers. The couple’s tragic passing in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home in late February has sparked widespread speculation. With an ongoing investigation revealing puzzling details—like a dog mix-up and Hackman’s pacemaker—this case remains unresolved. Here’s what we know about the Hackman death mystery and the theories surrounding it.
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Actor Gene Hackman with wife Betsy Arakawa at the United Cerebral Palsy of New York City’s 15th annual Champagne Stakes at Etoile restaurant on E. 56th St.
Investigation into Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s deaths: Latest updates
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Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza (C) speaks during a press conference at the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office to provide an update on the investigation into the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa on February 28, 2025 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Hackman and Arakawa were found dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico on February 26, 2025. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office continues to probe the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, found by a neighborhood security employee. Preliminary autopsy results indicate the couple had been deceased for about nine days, with signs of decomposition and mummification due to the region’s dry, cold climate. Sheriff Adan Mendoza has shared key updates, but the cause of death remains unconfirmed as toxicology reports are pending.
Confusing clues: The dog mix-up in the Gene Hackman death case
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa
A surprising twist in the investigation involved one of the couple’s dogs. Police initially reported the death of Bear, a German Shepherd. However, they later clarified it was Zinna, a 12-year-old mixed-breed Kelpie, discovered near Betsy Arakawa’s body. Zinna likely died from lack of food or water, while Bear and Nikita (an Akita-Shepherd mix) survived, roaming freely. This correction has fueled questions about the timeline of the Santa Fe tragedy.
Gene Hackman’s pacemaker: A key to the timeline?
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Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa are seen on November 16, 2001 in Los Angeles, California.
Gene Hackman, known for his roles in classics like The French Connection, had a history of heart problems and wore a pacemaker. Investigators found that the device recorded its last activity on February 17, 2025, potentially pinpointing his time of death. Found in the foyer, Hackman’s location—separate from Arakawa in the bathroom—adds complexity to the case. Could this clue unlock the truth behind the Gene Hackman death?
Betsy Arakawa death scene: Pills and theories
Married American couple, actor Gene Hackman and Classical musician Betsy Arakawa, attend a Hollywood Foreign Press conference at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, California, November 11, 1992.
The discovery of Betsy in the bathroom, with pills scattered on the countertop, immediately sparked speculation. While some theorized an overdose, forensic expert James Gill has dismissed a “joint suicide” scenario. Hackman’s mobility—he could move independently—suggests he didn’t die helplessly after Arakawa. The pills remain under analysis, keeping the Betsy Arakawa death investigation open.
Top theories surrounding the Santa Fe tragedy
Several theories have emerged about the couple’s deaths:
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Early suspicions pointed to carbon monoxide due to Zinna’s death. However, tests showed only a minimal, non-lethal gas leak, ruling this scenario out.
- Natural causes or health failures: Hackman’s age and heart condition suggest a possible natural death, but Arakawa’s younger age and the pills complicate this theory.
- Unexplained Circumstances: With no clear evidence yet, some speculate an unknown event led to this tragedy, pending further investigation.
What’s next for the Gene Hackman death investigation?
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City of Santa Fe Fire Department Chief Brian Moya (C) speaks during a press conference at the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office to provide an update on the investigation into the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa on February 28, 2025 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Hackman and Arakawa were found dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico on February 26, 2025. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
Authorities are collecting additional evidence, including mobile phones and the pills found at the scene. Toxicology results, expected soon, could provide definitive answers about the Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa deaths. Until then, this Hollywood legend’s final chapter remains a haunting mystery.
Why this case captivates the world
Hackman’s legacy as an Oscar-winning actor and Betsy’s private life as his long-time partner have drawn global attention to this case. The mix of fame, unanswered questions, and eerie details—like the pacemaker and dog confusion—keeps fans and sleuths alike invested in the Santa Fe tragedy.
