Sheriff Reports Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Likely Passed Away Days Ago
Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, may have passed away in their Santa Fe home several days, possibly even a couple of weeks, before their bodies were discovered on a Wednesday. The Santa Fe County Sheriff, Adan Mendoza, mentioned that it’s difficult to determine the exact timeline of their deaths due to the couple’s private lifestyle.
After the news broke about their deaths, the medical examiner in Santa Fe released initial findings from the autopsies. They confirmed there were no signs of trauma on either Hackman or Arakawa. The couple was found inside their home in a gated community in New Mexico, along with one of their dogs. Sheriff Mendoza shared his thoughts with the NBC program “Today,” stating that the investigation is challenging because the couple kept to themselves and were not part of a busy social scene. He indicated that based on evidence gathered concerning their bodies, it seems they had been deceased for several days or potentially up to two weeks.
On Friday, the Sheriff’s Office revealed a list of items taken from their home under a search warrant. These items included two green cell phones, medications for thyroid issues, diltiazem (a medication for cardiovascular conditions), Tylenol, medical records, and a planner for 2025.
Recent updates suggest that the couple may have died earlier than previously thought. The Medical Examiner’s report noted signs of decomposition, which included significant changes in both their hands and feet, also known as mummification. It appears that 95-year-old Hackman fell in a room next to their kitchen, while Arakawa was found in a room near the ground floor bathroom with various prescription pills scattered on the countertop. However, Sheriff Mendoza did not disclose what specific medications were involved in the incident or if they contributed to Arakawa’s death.
While there is currently no indication that foul play took place, the authorities have stated that all possibilities are being considered as the investigation continues. The early findings from the autopsy indicated no visible injuries on either individual, and toxicology tests have been requested to assess any potential poisonings. Meanwhile, representatives from the local gas company confirmed there are no signs of problems with the gas pipes near their residence, although this does not eliminate the possibility of a gas leak occurring earlier.
The couple’s preference for privacy is complicating the investigation as officials work to piece together their daily habits and routines to pinpoint the time of death. The last known photo of them together was taken on March 28 at a local seafood restaurant. Their final public appearance is believed to be at the 2003 Golden Globes.
Further examinations of their bodies will be conducted, and results from the toxicology reports could take up to three months to be released. Hackman was known for his roles in classic films like “The French Connection,” “Bonnie and Clyde,” “Unforgiven,” and many others. After retiring from acting in his 70s, he led a quiet life in Santa Fe and did not seek media attention.
Hackman had divorced his first wife, Faye Maltese, in 1986, before meeting Arakawa, a pianist, in California. They moved to Santa Fe in the late 1980s and married in 1991, with Arakawa becoming the stepmother to his three children. Arakawa was also very private and had no social media presence. Despite his quiet life, Hackman had mentioned that Betsy played a vital role in helping him with his writing after he transitioned from acting to writing novels in the 2000s.
