Gene Hackman’s Family Issues Statement For Cause Of Death

The world was shocked to learn about the tragic passing of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The couple, along with their German Shepherd, was found dead in their New Mexico home on February 26. A maintenance worker, noticing the front door had been left open, entered the house and made the grim discovery.

Law enforcement officials in Santa Fe have stated that while no signs of a break-in or struggle were found, the circumstances surrounding their deaths remain suspicious, prompting an ongoing investigation.

The Mysterious Circumstances

Hackman, 95, was discovered in a side room near the kitchen, while Arakawa, 65, was found collapsed in the bathroom. The sheriff noted that the couple appeared to have been “dead for quite a while,” with Arakawa’s body showing “decomposition” and “mummification” in her hands and feet. Their dog was also found deceased in a nearby bathroom closet, though two other dogs on the property were found alive.

Sheriff Mendoza addressed the media, stating:

“There was no indication of a struggle. There was no indication of anything that was missing from the home or disturbed, you know, that would be an indication that there was a crime that had occurred.”

With no obvious signs of foul play, investigators initially suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. However, the local utility company confirmed no gas leaks in the area, and the fire department found no evidence of toxic exposure. Blood tests later confirmed that carbon monoxide was not present in their bodies.

Exploring Possible Causes

As investigators ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, new theories began to emerge. The most recent data from Hackman’s pacemaker was recorded on February 17, suggesting he may have passed away around that time. Meanwhile, Arakawa was found near a space heater, surrounded by multiple medications, including treatments for thyroid conditions, high blood pressure, chest pain, and a painkiller.

One investigator shared a new possibility: “We are now looking at whether it could be a death followed by a suicide. Did Mr. Hackman die suddenly from a heart attack and his wife was so distraught she took an overdose?”

Another potential scenario is that Arakawa suffered a medical emergency and collapsed, leaving Hackman in such distress that he experienced a fatal heart attack.

A police official elaborated:

“It may also be that Mrs. Hackman had a medical crisis of her own. Mr. Hackman was found in the mud room. She was 10 to 20 feet away from him in a bathroom. Did she try to get blood pressure medication or something like that? She could have had a medical incident that led to her death. The space heater was on the floor, suggesting she grabbed it and brought it down when she fell.”

Waiting for Answers

Authorities are now closely examining the pills and medications found at the scene, though toxicology reports could take weeks to complete. Investigators are leaving no stone unturned as they try to determine what truly happened inside the couple’s home.

“We are not ruling out any possibilities and are exploring every avenue,” an investigator assured.

The loss of Hackman, a two-time Oscar-winning actor known for films like Unforgiven and The French Connection, has left Hollywood mourning one of its greatest talents. His passing, alongside his wife of nearly four decades, remains a heartbreaking mystery—one that law enforcement hopes to unravel in the coming weeks.