A shocking discovery unfolded in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found deceased alongside their pet dog in their residence.
According to USA TODAY, extensive investigations by the New Mexico Gas Company have conclusively ruled out the possibility of a lethal gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of death for the couple and their dog.
The investigation, conducted on the evening of February 26, revealed minor issues, including a small gas leak from a stove burner and four code violations related to a water heater and gas log lighters in fireplaces. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office confirmed that these findings were not considered significant factors in the deaths.
Security officials discovered the bodies of Hackman, 95, and Arakawa in their Santa Fe home on February 26. Data from Hackman's pacemaker indicated his last recorded activity was on February 17, 2025, which authorities believe marks his final day alive.
The circumstances of their deaths have raised questions among investigators. The search warrant affidavit detailed that Hackman's body was found in a mudroom near his cane, suggesting he may have fallen.
Arakawa's body was discovered in an open bathroom close to a space heater, with prescription medication scattered nearby. Deputies noted signs of decomposition, including facial bloating and mummification of her extremities.
Two surviving dogs were found at the scene, with one located in the bathroom near Arakawa and another outside the residence. A third dog was found deceased in a closet approximately 15 feet from Arakawa's location.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office has characterized the deaths as suspicious, though they maintain that no foul play is currently suspected. All findings from the gas company's investigation have been forwarded to the Office of the Medical Investigator for further analysis.
The discovery of prescription medication at the scene has prompted additional investigation. Authorities continue to examine all potential factors that may have contributed to the deaths.
The New Mexico Gas Company's investigation identified five red tags at the property. According to the sheriff's office, one indicated a minimal gas leak measuring 0.33% gas in air from a stove burner, while the remaining tags pertained to code violations.
The Sheriff's Office spokesperson released an official statement regarding the gas company's findings. Based on their assessment, the department stated:
There were no significant findings. NMGC did issue five (5) red tags. One red tag was for a minuscule leak (0.33% gas in air – not a lethal amount) at one of the stove burners. The other four red tags were for code enforcement violations -not involving gas leaks or carbon monoxide – involving a water heater and gas log lighters installed in three fireplaces.
Local authorities continue their methodical investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The Medical Examiner's office is conducting thorough examinations to determine the exact cause and timing of the deaths.
Gene Hackman, the Academy Award-winning actor, and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on February 26, 2025. The discovery came after Hackman's pacemaker indicated his last activity on February 17, suggesting the couple had been deceased for several days before being found. Investigators have ruled out gas leaks and carbon monoxide as causes of death, though they note suspicious circumstances surrounding the scene.
