investigation estimates 9 days between death and body discovery

The death of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, stunned the world and raised countless questions about what transpired in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home. Their bodies were discovered on the afternoon of Thursday, February 27, 2025, but police believe the deaths occurred much earlier, possibly on February 17. This estimate emerged after analyzing Hackman’s pacemaker, which recorded its last signal over a week before the find. As authorities delve deeper into the ongoing investigation, the case remains shrouded in mystery, with theories ranging from natural causes to more complex scenarios. The state of the bodies and items like pills and a heater at the scene only heighten public curiosity.

Gene Hackman, aged 95, and Betsy Arakawa, 64, were found in separate rooms of their home, alongside one of their three dogs, a German shepherd, also deceased. The discovery was triggered by a local caretaker who, unable to reach the couple, spotted the bodies through the windows and called emergency services. Two other dogs belonging to the family were found alive—one inside the house and another outside—adding further layers to the enigma. Preliminary autopsy results ruled out external trauma, but the investigation keeps all possibilities open, including accidental death or natural causes.

Since the tragedy was announced, the case has dominated global headlines, reigniting interest in Hackman’s storied career, a Hollywood icon with over six decades of work. A two-time Oscar winner, he was renowned for unforgettable roles in films like “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven.” Now, as authorities piece together the facts, a mix of medical data, scene conditions, and neighbor accounts provides initial clues about the couple’s final days.

Timeline of events in Santa Fe

Efforts to uncover Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s final moments began with details gathered by the police. Hackman’s pacemaker, a critical device given his advanced age, ceased activity on February 17, 2025, suggesting this may have been the date of his death. The bodies weren’t found until nine days later, on February 27, when the caretaker checked the residence after noticing no signs of life for days. Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the investigation remains active to determine whether Betsy died on the same day or at a different time.

Hackman was located in a separate room, while Betsy was found in the bathroom near a space heater and an open pill bottle with tablets scattered around. The deceased German shepherd was a few meters away from her, in the bathroom closet. Police arrived after the caretaker’s distressed call, reporting what he saw through the windows. The front door was open when authorities entered, yet there were no signs of forced entry or struggle, keeping the focus on non-violent causes.

Key events mark the timeline:

• February 17: Last recorded signal from Gene Hackman’s pacemaker.
• February 26: Caretaker attempts contact with the couple, fails, and alerts neighborhood security.
• February 27: Bodies are discovered, and police launch the investigation.
• February 28: Preliminary autopsy results are released, ruling out external trauma.

Scene details puzzle authorities

The investigation uncovered unusual elements in the home where Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa resided. Betsy’s body, showing clear signs of decomposition—facial swelling and mummification in her hands and feet—suggested death had occurred days earlier. Near her, a space heater rested beside an open pill bottle with scattered tablets, catching the attention of officers. These items point to various possibilities, from an accident to a sudden medical event, though nothing is confirmed yet.

Gene Hackman was found in another part of the house, also in a similar state of decomposition, reinforcing the notion that both had been dead for days. The German shepherd in the bathroom closet may have been trapped after Betsy’s death, while the two surviving dogs indicate not all animals were affected by whatever happened. With no evidence of violence or break-in, investigators turned to internal factors like health issues or environmental exposure, though carbon monoxide was ruled out.

The caretaker who made the call described the scene emotionally, noting Betsy on the floor and immediately suspecting something dire. His call to emergency services reflected the shock of someone familiar with the couple, known for their private life in Santa Fe. Police collected items like cell phones, medications, and a 2025 calendar from the home, hoping to reconstruct the couple’s final days and understand why their absence went unnoticed for so long.

Theories under police scrutiny

Pinpointing the cause of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s deaths is the investigation’s top priority in Santa Fe. The preliminary autopsy, released on February 28, dismissed external trauma, but toxicology reports and final analyses are still pending, potentially taking months. Sheriff Adan Mendoza emphasized that all hypotheses remain on the table, including natural death, accident, or even a more intricate scenario like suicide or homicide, though no evidence strongly supports violence.

The couple’s family initially suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, a frequent culprit in simultaneous indoor deaths. However, firefighters and the gas company inspected the scene and found no leaks or traces of such intoxication. Initial tests on the bodies also came back negative for carbon monoxide, shifting focus to other possibilities like health complications or medication use.

The scattered pills near Betsy and the nearby heater sparked speculation. One theory suggests she suffered a sudden health crisis and reached for help or medication, while another considers an accident tied to the heater. For Hackman, his advanced age and pacemaker hint at a natural cause, but the timing with Betsy’s death keeps investigators probing for connections.

Legacy of a Hollywood titan

Gene Hackman was a towering figure in cinema, with a career spanning over 60 years and iconic roles in dozens of films. Born in 1930, he rose to fame with “The French Connection” in 1971, earning his first Oscar for Best Actor. Years later, in 1992, he claimed a second Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in “Unforgiven.” His versatility shone through in characters ranging from intense heroes to memorable villains, like Lex Luthor in “Superman” (1978).

After moving to Santa Fe in the 1980s, Hackman embraced a quieter life with Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist he married in 1991. Away from the spotlight, the couple became part of the local community, cherished for their low-key presence. His last film role came in 2004 with “Welcome to Mooseport,” after which he focused on writing and privacy.

Betsy, a skilled artist in her own right, was known for her love of music. Together, they built a reserved life, rarely appearing publicly in recent years. Their deaths resurfaced stories from friends and neighbors, who praised their kindness and influence in Santa Fe, where they were beloved figures.

Condition of the bodies raises questions

The advanced decomposition of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s bodies puzzled investigators and stunned the public. Betsy displayed facial swelling and mummification in her extremities, a natural process in dry, cold environments like Santa Fe’s winter climate. Hackman showed similar conditions, suggesting both had been deceased for days. Partial mummification indicates the bodies were exposed long enough for moisture to dissipate without interference.

The German shepherd found dead in the bathroom closet was also decomposing, while the two surviving dogs suggest not all beings in the house were impacted by the event. Police believe the living animals may have had access to food or water or were simply outside the affected area. These details underscore the need for toxicology tests to determine if chemicals or medications played a role.

The couple’s lack of contact with friends and family for weeks had already sparked concern. Betsy’s 91-year-old mother, who has dementia, hadn’t heard from her since October of the previous year, and neighbors noticed no activity at the residence. The discovery only happened due to the caretaker’s initiative, highlighting the isolation of their final days.

Tidbits about the couple’s life

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa led a quiet life in Santa Fe, but certain facets of their routine and legacy stand out:

• Hackman authored several novels after retiring from acting, revealing his literary side.
• Betsy, a gifted classical pianist, performed locally, delighting the community.
• The couple owned three German shepherds, showcasing their love for animals.
• Their $3.8 million home was a secluded retreat, designed for privacy.

These details paint a picture of a couple who, despite Hackman’s fame, chose a simple, reserved existence. Their deaths, however, sparked renewed interest in their story, with fans and media revisiting their contributions to film and music.

Recent data and next steps

The deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa come as Santa Fe experiences a dry winter, with average February temperatures below freezing. This climate may have aided the partial preservation of the bodies but also delayed awareness of the tragedy. In 2023, New Mexico recorded about 150 cases of deaths undiscovered for over a week, reflecting the isolation of some regional communities.

The investigation now hinges on toxicology results and analysis of items from the home, like cell phones and the 2025 calendar, which might reveal recent plans or contacts. Meanwhile, police continue interviewing neighbors and local workers to build a clearer timeline. Final findings could take weeks or months, keeping the case in the spotlight for some time.

Hackman’s cultural impact also draws attention. In 2023, his films still generated millions on streaming platforms, and his death reignited discussions about his Hollywood legacy. For Betsy, the loss of a discreet yet influential local artist was deeply felt in Santa Fe’s artistic circles.

Community and cinema mourn

Santa Fe lost two of its most notable residents with the passing of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa. Known for attracting artists and personalities seeking peace, the city saw the couple as integral to its fabric. Friends described them as kind and approachable, often joining local events before becoming more reclusive. The local outpouring is evident, with spontaneous tributes appearing online.

In the film world, Hackman’s death marks the end of an era. One of the last giants of a transformative Hollywood generation, his intense and versatile performances shaped the industry. Roles in classics like “The Conversation” and “Mississippi Burning” continue to inspire, and his 2004 retirement had already left fans longing for more. Now, the investigation keeps his name prominent.

For Betsy, her legacy is quieter but meaningful. Her passion for classical music and life alongside Hackman created a partnership admired by those who knew them. As police work to uncover the truth, the couple’s memory endures, both in Santa Fe and the global imagination.