The unexpected passing of Hollywood icon Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, has raised numerous questions. Although authorities have dismissed the possibility of foul play, a forensic pathologist has proposed a potential explanation for their tragic deaths. The entertainment industry is in mourning for the legendary actor and his wife, a classical pianist, who were discovered deceased alongside one of their dogs in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on February 26, 2025. Hackman was 95 years old, while Arakawa was 65.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that there were no immediate signs of foul play but did not disclose a cause of death or the time of the couple’s passing. The details surrounding their deaths remain unclear. Hackman, a resident of Santa Fe since the 1980s, married Arakawa in 1991, and the couple enjoyed a private life in their secluded residence. Prior to the discovery of their bodies, deputies had responded to an unspecified report at their home on Old Sunset Trail, though it is uncertain whether this was a welfare check or a request for assistance.
During the visit, authorities found the couple’s bodies. Investigators established a timeline indicating that Hackman’s pacemaker had ceased functioning on February 17, leading them to believe he may have passed away nine days prior to their discovery. Sheriff Mendoza informed reporters that it is a reasonable assumption that February 17 marked the last day of Hackman’s life.
Hackman and Arakawa were found in different areas of their home. Arakawa’s body was located in the bathroom, near a space heater, with an open bottle of pills beside her. A search warrant affidavit indicated signs of “mummification,” suggesting she had been deceased for some time. Hackman was discovered in another part of the house and exhibited similar signs. Meanwhile, two of the couple’s dogs were found alive inside the residence.
One of the most pressing questions is which of them passed away first. Sheriff Mendoza acknowledged that determining this was challenging. Initially, Hackman’s family considered carbon monoxide poisoning as a possible cause for their sudden and simultaneous deaths. However, authorities ruled this out after toxicology tests revealed no traces of the substance in their systems. Despite the unusual circumstances, investigators found no evidence of forced entry, violence, or struggle.
A prominent forensic pathologist has proposed a potential explanation. Dr. Michael Baden, the former chief medical examiner of New York City, suggested that Hackman’s death may have resulted from cardiac arrest, a theory supported by the fact that his pacemaker stopped recording activity on February 17. In an interview on Fox Report, Baden explained that pacemakers monitor pulse rates and will discharge when they drop too low, leaving a record of the event. The autopsy revealed no external injuries or signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, but Hackman had a history of severe coronary artery disease and high blood pressure, both of which are common causes of cardiac events.
Baden also speculated that Arakawa may have died while trying to assist her husband. He suggested that after discovering Hackman unresponsive, she might have hurried to retrieve his blood pressure medication from the bathroom. According to the search warrant affidavit, authorities found bottles of thyroid medication, blood pressure pills, and Tylenol near her body. In her rush, Baden theorized, Arakawa may have slipped, hit her head, and sustained a fatal internal brain injury that was not immediately apparent. Another possibility is that the shock and stress of the situation triggered a fatal cardiac event, although Baden leaned more toward the likelihood of a head injury.
Authorities suspect that Hackman may have collapsed unexpectedly. His body was found near a pair of sunglasses and a walking cane, leading investigators to believe he had fallen suddenly. The situation inside the home became more complicated when a deceased German Shepherd was discovered in a bathroom closet, approximately 10 to 15 feet from Arakawa. Meanwhile, two other dogs were found alive—one near Arakawa’s body and another outside the house.
Initially, Baden considered carbon monoxide poisoning as a potential cause of death, but investigators later concluded that the deceased dog likely died from dehydration after being confined in a kennel for nine days. The couple’s reclusive lifestyle may have delayed emergency response, as there was no one readily available to seek help.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa have made this tragedy even more shocking, particularly given the actor’s legacy. As one of Hollywood’s most revered stars, Hackman’s passing signifies the end of an era. The two-time Academy Award winner, renowned for his performances in The French Connection and Unforgiven, has left a lasting impact on the film industry that will be remembered for generations.
News of Hackman and his wife’s deaths has prompted a wave of emotions online. Many fans are grappling with the loss, with social media inundated with tributes and speculation. While some expressed their sorrow over the actor’s death, others focused on the unresolved questions surrounding the circumstances of their passing. One fan simply stated, “Heartbreaking,” while another reflected on Hackman’s extensive and influential career. However, some were unable to shake the lingering uncertainties, mirroring the concerns that investigators are still striving to address.