Authorities in New Mexico have launched an investigation following the deaths of Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and one of their dogs. 

The 95-year-old Oscar-winning actor and his 65-year-old wife, a classical pianist, were found deceased in their Santa Fe residence, 

prompting law enforcement officials to deem the situation “suspicious.” 

However, forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden has suggested that their deaths may have resulted from a tragic accident.

The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department reported that no visible signs of foul play or external trauma were discovered on the bodies. 

Following preliminary autopsies, Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that Hackman and Arakawa had tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning. 

It was further determined that Hackman had likely passed away approximately nine days before their bodies were discovered.

Dr. Michael Baden, a well-respected forensic expert, provided insight into the possible cause of death, pointing to Hackman’s pacemaker as a crucial piece of evidence. According to Sheriff Mendoza, the pacemaker last recorded an event on February 17, which, Baden explained, likely indicated a cardiac arrest triggered by an irregular pulse.

Baden elaborated that the autopsy findings confirmed Hackman suffered from severe coronary artery disease and high blood pressure, both common contributors to fatal cardiac events. Given this medical history, it is likely that Hackman collapsed in the mudroom, where his body was found alongside a walking cane and sunglasses. Authorities suspect that the actor may have suddenly fallen at that location.

A tragic sequence of events may have led to Arakawa’s subsequent death. Investigators theorize that upon discovering her husband in distress, Arakawa may have rushed to retrieve his blood pressure medication from the bathroom. Evidence from the search warrant affidavit revealed that she was found on the bathroom floor near a space heater, with an open prescription bottle and scattered pills nearby.

Baden speculated that in a state of panic, Arakawa might have tripped or lost consciousness, potentially hitting her head on the way down. Alternatively, she could have suffered a heart-related event triggered by stress. Given that she had no external injuries, Baden suggested an internal brain injury or heart failure as likely causes of death.

Adding to the tragic nature of the incident, one of the couple’s German Shepherds was also found deceased inside a closet within the bathroom, approximately 10-15 feet away from Arakawa. Investigators noted that two additional dogs were found alive on the property. Initial concerns regarding possible carbon monoxide poisoning were dismissed, as neither Hackman nor Arakawa tested positive for exposure. Authorities later determined that the deceased dog had likely perished due to dehydration after being trapped without food or water for several days.

The delayed discovery of their bodies further complicates the investigation. A maintenance worker entered the residence and made the distressing find on February 26. Baden noted that the sequence of events suggests Hackman may have collapsed first, with Arakawa dying shortly thereafter while trying to assist him, leaving no one to call for help.

Sheriff Mendoza acknowledged that while foul play is not suspected at this time, authorities are still treating the case as an open investigation. Toxicology tests were ordered to help determine whether any substances played a role in the couple’s deaths, though results may take several months to be processed.

Hackman and Arakawa lived a private life in Santa Fe, where the actor had resided since the 1980s. The last known public sighting of the couple was on March 28, 2024, outside a local restaurant. The couple had largely withdrawn from the public eye, with Hackman’s final major public appearance being at the 2003 Golden Globe Awards, where he received the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award.

The entertainment industry and Hackman’s admirers continue to mourn the loss of the legendary actor and his wife. As the investigation unfolds, authorities remain focused on piecing together the final moments of the couple’s lives, hoping to provide clarity on this heartbreaking tragedy.

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