Legendary Hollywood actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home on Wednesday, leaving investigators to piece together the final days of their lives. A significant breakthrough in understanding the timeline of their deaths has come from Hackman’s pacemaker, which recorded his last cardiac event on February 17, 2025.
The Discovery of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s Bodies
Authorities were alerted to the couple’s residence in a gated community in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where their lifeless bodies were discovered. Shockingly, one of their three dogs was also found deceased inside the home. Given Hackman’s stature as an Oscar-winning actor and his decades-long career in Hollywood, the news sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a press conference on Friday that both Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies showed advanced signs of decomposition, suggesting they had passed away days before they were found.
Pacemaker Data: A Crucial Clue in the Investigation
During the investigation, authorities turned to Hackman’s pacemaker, which provided a crucial lead. According to Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, the device recorded its last activity on February 17, strongly indicating this was the actor’s final day alive.
Pacemakers are small, implantable devices that regulate heart rhythms by sending electrical impulses. They also store data on a patient’s heart activity, making them valuable in forensic investigations.
Initial Autopsy Findings and Lack of External Trauma
Santa Fe’s medical examiner conducted initial autopsies on Hackman and Arakawa, finding no signs of external trauma. This suggests that foul play was not an immediate factor in their deaths. However, toxicology tests and carbon monoxide exposure analysis were ordered to rule out other possible causes.
The New Mexico Gas Company has since inspected the home and stated that there were no immediate signs of gas leaks. However, this does not entirely dismiss the possibility that a gas-related issue may have contributed to their deaths at an earlier date.
Scene Examination and Evidence Collection
Investigators executed a search warrant at the couple’s home and retrieved several items, including:
- Two green cellular devices
- Prescription medications (including thyroid medication and diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker)
- A 2025 monthly planner
- Medical records
- Over-the-counter pain relief medications (Tylenol)
Sheriff Mendoza emphasized that the information from the phones and planner could play a significant role in reconstructing the couple’s final days.
The Challenge of Establishing a Timeline
Due to the couple’s private lifestyle, investigators face challenges in determining their recent daily activities. Hackman and Arakawa were last photographed together at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Santa Fe on March 28, 2024. The couple had largely withdrawn from Hollywood, with the 2003 Golden Globes—where Hackman received the Cecil B. DeMille Award—being their last known public event.
Sheriff Mendoza mentioned that there is no known surveillance footage from their residence that could assist in establishing a clear timeline of events leading to their deaths.
No Immediate Signs of Foul Play, But Investigation Continues
While authorities have stated that foul play is not suspected at this time, Mendoza clarified that all avenues remain open. Investigators are conducting a reverse timeline analysis, beginning with the autopsy results and working backward to uncover any potential causes of death.
Toxicology Reports and Future Findings
The couple’s bodies are now undergoing in-depth toxicology screening. These results will provide further clarity regarding whether substances such as carbon monoxide or prescription medications played a role in their deaths.
Authorities are also investigating whether Hackman’s known medical history, including any heart-related conditions, could have been a contributing factor.
Remembering Gene Hackman: A Hollywood Legend
Gene Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, was widely respected for his roles in films such as The French Connection, Unforgiven, and Superman. His passing marks the end of an era in cinema, and tributes from fans and fellow actors have poured in worldwide.
Betsy Arakawa, his wife of over 30 years, was a pianist and businesswoman known for keeping a low profile. Together, they enjoyed a quiet life away from the limelight in Santa Fe.
