Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa suffered ‘no external trauma,’ early autopsy reveals after paid found dead at home
LEGENDARY actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa had no signs of external trauma, early autopsy results on their deaths have shown.
The couple was found inside their Santa Fe home during a welfare check prompted by concerned neighbors and a maintenance worker unable to reach them.
Officials rushed to the couple’s $3.8million home at around 1.45pm and located both of their bodies.
Hackman, 95, was found fully clothed in a wet room off the kitchen, while Betsy, 64, was in a bathroom.
The couple – married for 34 years – had lived in the area for decades, in a secluded residence off Old Sunset Trail.
Cops are currently labelling their deaths “suspicious” as the door to their home was found ajar but there was no sign of forced entry, according to an affidavit.
In a Thursday statement, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office revealed that autopsies showed no visible injuries on either Hackman or Arakawa, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Officials added that carbon monoxide and toxicology tests are still pending.
The statement read: “In the early hours of Thursday, February 27 2025, Hackman and Arakawa were transported to the Office of the Medical Investigator.
“An autopsy was performed. Initial findings noted no external trauma to either individual.
“Carbon monoxide and toxicology tests were requested for both individuals.
“The manner and cause of death has not been determined.
“The official results of the autopsy and toxicology reports are pending. This remains an open investigation.”
It comes as authorities believe the couple may have been dead for weeks before their bodies were discovered, with one showing signs of “mummification”.
The term was used by a Santa Fe detective, according to a search warrant obtained by TMZ, although a mummification process typically takes months to occur.
But experts suggest the officer likely meant that decomposition had advanced significantly, rather than full mummification.
It comes as…
- The star was found dead alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa and their pet dog at their home in Santa Fe, cops said.
- Gene was last spotted with his wife in 2024 just weeks after his 94th birthday
- Cops have not revealed the acting legend’s cause of death but say there are no signs of foul play
- Police also said an “active investigation” has been launched into the couple’s shocking death
- Tributes to Gene and Betsy pour in from fellow Hollywood actors and stars
- Gene made a haunting comment on his “fear” of death
- The actor’s pal revealed how he went from the least likely to succeed at school to a two-time Oscar winner
- Gene had a “difficult” relationship with his kids and lost touch with his son
- The police statement has been released in full
- How Gene met his second wife, who he was married to for 34 years, at the gym
- Gene’s daughter suggests the pair could have been poisoned in a gas leak
- Prince William called the actor a “true genius” in a touching tribute
Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, along with granddaughter Annie, expressed their heartbreak as they confirmed the actor’s tragic death.
They said in a statement: “He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”
Authorities have also confirmed that one of the couple’s German Shepherds was found dead, while two other dogs survived.
It is unclear whether the dog was found in a kennel or a closet in the home.
Despite the absence of forced entry or signs of a break-in, deputies did note that the home’s front door was found ajar.
These are just some of the many glaring unanswered questions on the couple’s mysterious death.
Meanwhile, heartbreaking 911 audio has captured the moment a caretaker discovered the bodies of Gene and Betsy on Wednesday afternoon.
Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner for roles in The French Connection, Bonnie and Clyde, and Unforgiven, had retired from acting in 2004 and spent his final years in relative seclusion with Arakawa.
The couple was last seen publicly together in March 2024, at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Santa Fe.
The investigation continues as the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office and other authorities work to piece together the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.