What's happened
Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 27, 2025. Initial investigations revealed no signs of foul play, but the cause of death remains undetermined pending toxicology results. Their last known activities were traced back to February 17, 2025.
What's behind the headline?
Investigation Insights
- The initial autopsy revealed no external trauma or signs of foul play, suggesting a natural cause of death.
- Hackman's pacemaker last recorded activity on February 17, indicating he may have died shortly thereafter.
- Investigators are examining medications found at the scene, including those for high blood pressure and thyroid issues.
Implications
- The absence of carbon monoxide and gas leaks rules out poisoning, but toxicology tests will clarify the situation.
- The couple's privacy poses challenges for investigators trying to piece together their last days.
- The case highlights the complexities surrounding elderly deaths, especially in private households.
What the papers say
According to the New York Post, Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that the initial examination showed no signs of foul play, and both individuals tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office noted that the couple had been dead for several days, with Hackman's pacemaker indicating he likely passed away on February 17. The Independent emphasized the lack of external trauma and the ongoing investigation into their deaths, while the South China Morning Post highlighted the retrieval of medications and the couple's private lifestyle complicating the timeline of events. Each source underscores the need for further toxicology tests to determine the exact cause of death.
How we got here
Hackman, a celebrated actor known for his roles in films like 'The French Connection,' was found alongside his wife in their home. The couple had been private, complicating efforts to establish a timeline of their last interactions.
Go deeper
- What were the last known activities of Hackman and Arakawa?
- How are authorities investigating their deaths?
- What medications were found at the scene?
Common question
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What are the latest updates on Gene Hackman's death investigation?
The recent deaths of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have shocked fans and the community. Found in their Santa Fe home, the circumstances surrounding their passing have raised numerous questions. As investigations continue, many are eager to learn more about the details and implications of this tragic event.
More on these topics
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Eugene Allen Hackman is an American retired actor, novelist, and United States Marine. In a career that has spanned more than six decades, Hackman has won two Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, one Screen Actors Guild Award, and two BAFTAs.
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Santa Fe is the capital of the U.S. state of New Mexico. It is the fourth-largest city in New Mexico with a population of 84,683 in 2019, the county seat of Santa Fe County, and its metropolitan area is part of the larger Albuquerque–Santa Fe–Las Vega
