Gene Hackman died ‘nine days’ before he was found with wife Betsy Arakawa by neighbours who ‘saw bodies through window’
HOLLYWOOD legend Gene Hackman is feared to have been dead for nine days before his body was discovered, police have revealed.
The 95-year-old Oscar winner was found alongside his 65-year-old wife, Betsy Arakawa, at their Santa Fe home on Wednesday after neighbours spotted their bodies through a window.
But investigators believe Hackman actually died on February 17, the last date recorded on his pacemaker — nine days before he was found.
During a press conference on Friday, Sheriff Adan Mendoza said the finding was made in an investigation by Dr Heather Jarrell, New Mexico’s Chief Medical Investigator.
Mendoza told reporters: “An initial interrogation was conducted of Mr Hackman’s pacemaker.
“This revealed that his last event was recorded on February 17, 2025, I was advised that a more thorough investigation will be completed.”
When asked if that indicated Hackman had died that day, he replied: “According to the pathologist I think that is a very good assumption, that that was his last day of life.”
Neighbours reportedly spotted the couple’s bodies through a window before raising the alarm.
When officers arrived at their Santa Fe home on February 27, they found Gene, Betsy, and one of their pet dogs dead in separate rooms.
An earlier statement from authorities confirmed there were “no external trauma” on either body, and a police affidavit ruled their deaths “suspicious” enough to require further investigation.
Despite speculation from Hackman’s daughter Elizabeth Jean about carbon monoxide poisoning, Sheriff Mendoza confirmed both Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for the deadly gas.
A search warrant affidavit previously ruled out a gas leak, leaving the cause of death a mystery.
The actor’s children have said they will travel to Santa Fe once authorities release further details.
Hackman, one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars, won two Academy Awards for The French Connection and Unforgiven.
He also starred in The Conversation, Superman, and The Royal Tenenbaums before stepping away from the spotlight in the early 2000s.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
ITEMS SEIZED
Police have also seized six key items from Gene Hackman’s mansion as they probe the mysterious deaths of the Hollywood icon and his wife.
Investigators recovered various medications, documents, and phones from the $3.8million home where the couple were discovered dead on Wednesday afternoon.
According to court records obtained by ABC affiliate KOAT-TV, officers took two green cell phones, health-related documents, and a 2025 monthly planner from the residence.
Authorities also collected thyroid medication, Diltiazem, and Tylenol as part of their investigation.
Diltiazem is commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and chest pain.
A search warrant revealed that an open bottle of pills was found scattered on the bathroom counter near Arakawa’s body.
DEVASTATING SCENE
Cops found Arakawa’s body lying in the bathroom upon entering the house on Wednesday afternoon.
It appeared she had been there for weeks as her hands and feet had signs of mummification, the search warrant said.
The dog was found dead in the bathroom closet.
Cops then found Hackman lying in a mudroom with his cane and sunglasses near his body.
A search warrant revealed that cops noted the legendary actor looked like he fell to the ground suddenly.
Hackman and Arakawa’s causes of death have not been revealed.
The Oscar winner and his wife, a classical pianist, lived their final years in the massive mansion they built in Santa Fe.
The couple, who were married in 1991, never had any kids.
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.