Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa’s deaths warrant a “more thorough investigation” following the results of an autopsy report, Santa Fe, New Mexico, authorities said on Friday, with a pacemaker revealing the legendary star’s death might have happened more than a week ago.
During a press conference, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office Adan Mendoza said the results from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator determined that the couple “had tested negative for carbon monoxide,” but it did not provide a cause of death for either one.
“An autopsy was performed. Initial findings noted no external trauma to either individual,” Mendoza said.
“The manner and cause of death have not been determined … I was advised that a more thorough investigation will be completed,” he added, noting that an investigation of Hackman’s pacemaker showed his last recorded “event” as February 17, more than a week before the bodies were discovered.
The news follows an earlier report that their deaths were “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation” due to all of the “circumstances surrounding” the scene, according to the search warrant affidavit.
BREAKING: Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, tested negative for carbon monoxide, officials said.
“The manner and cause of death have not been determined … I was advised that a more thorough investigation will be completed.” https://t.co/ALD1bVL0rJ pic.twitter.com/Qa0oWPxcUA
— ABC News (@ABC) February 28, 2025
The 95-year-old Hollywood star was discovered at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, along with his wife, Arakawa, 63, on Wednesday.
The couple’s dog was also found dead. After responding to a welfare check request, law enforcement entered the home around 1:45 p.m. Local officials initially said there are no signs of foul play, per Associated Press, but the cause of death was not immediately revealed, and authorities said the investigation is ongoing.
According to a report by Variety, Arakawa was lying on the bathroom floor. An opened prescription pill bottle was found on the countertop, with pills scattered nearby. A space heater was found near the woman’s head, and the report noted that “the heater could have fallen in the event the female abruptly fell to the ground.”
Hackman was discovered in a mudroom with sunglasses nearby.
Arakawa’s body was discovered in the house with the door open, showing no signs of forced entry. A deceased dog was found in the bathroom closet, and two other dogs were found alive on the property – one near Arakawa’s body and the other roaming freely outside.
Amanda Harding contributed to this piece.
Related: Deaths Of Gene Hackman, Wife Deemed ‘Suspicious Enough’ For ‘Thorough’ Probe
