Gene Hackman and Wife Test Negative for Carbon Monoxide Following Pacemaker Incident on February 17.

The deaths of Gene Hackman, a well-known actor, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, are currently being investigated by local authorities. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adam Mendoza held a press conference to share some initial findings. He revealed that both Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning, which was a concern at first.

According to Sheriff Mendoza, Hackman’s pacemaker registered its last activity on February 17, which is presently thought to be the day he passed away. However, it’s still unclear who died first, Hackman or Arakawa. The final autopsy and toxicology reports that will provide more detailed information are still pending, which could take anywhere from a month to even three months or more.

Authorities have stated that there were no signs of trauma on either of the couple’s bodies. As part of the investigation, officials collected various items from their home, including two green cellphones, bottles of medication, over-the-counter Tylenol, and a 2025 planner. They also requested medical records to help understand the circumstances leading to their deaths. However, the sheriff pointed out that there are no security cameras in or around the house that could give more insight into what happened. Investigators continue to interview people who live in the gated community where Hackman and Arakawa resided.

The bodies of the couple, aged 95 and 65 respectively, were found in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, along with one of their dogs. Initially, police did not suspect foul play. However, later on, the circumstances were considered “suspicious,” prompting further investigation. A concerned maintenance worker had asked for a welfare check, leading to the discovery of their bodies. Arakawa was found on the bathroom floor, with an open prescription pill bottle nearby and pills scattered on the countertop. Hackman was located in the mudroom next to the kitchen. Additionally, one of their dogs, a German Shepherd, was found in a closet nearby, while two other dogs on the property were unharmed and taken care of by animal control.

When authorities initially examined the bodies, they noted that Arakawa showed clear signs of death, with noticeable decomposition and certain physical conditions. Hackman’s body exhibited similar signs, indicating both had likely passed away around the same time.Following the investigation, fire officials and the local gas company confirmed that there were no clear signs of a gas leak that could have resulted in carbon monoxide poisoning, further supported by the toxicology reports.

Leslie Anne Hackman, Gene’s daughter, spoke to the press after her father’s death and emphasized that he was in “very good physical condition” despite being 95 years old. She mentioned that he had not undergone any major surgeries in months leading up to his death. Although Leslie acknowledged her father’s age made his passing somewhat expected, she expressed gratitude towards Arakawa for taking good care of him and shared her sadness over her mother’s passing. She highlighted the strong bond they shared in their marriage, noting that Arakawa was always attentive to Hackman’s health and well-being.