In a development that has left many in shock, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office released initial autopsy findings on February 27 regarding the deaths of Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The early results indicate that neither individual suffered any visible external trauma at the time of their death, although the full cause of death remains undetermined as toxicology and carbon monoxide tests are still pending.
Discovery of the Bodies and the Initial Investigation
The tragic discovery was made in the couple’s Santa Fe residence. Gene Hackman, aged 95, and Betsy Arakawa, 63, were found under unusual circumstances. Arakawa was discovered in the bathroom, lying beside a space heater, while Hackman’s body was located in a mudroom near the kitchen. The scene also revealed the presence of an orange prescription bottle with scattered pills on the bathroom countertop, and one of the couple’s dogs was found deceased inside the home. In contrast, two other dogs appeared healthy—one inside and one outside the property.
The investigation began when a maintenance worker arrived at the residence for scheduled work. When no one answered the door, the worker contacted neighborhood security to request a welfare check. Security personnel then observed the bodies through a window, prompting them to immediately call 911. This sequence of events set off a thorough investigation by local authorities, as the unsecured front door of the home added an element of suspicion to the case.
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Autopsy Findings and Preliminary Results
Following the discovery, an autopsy was conducted by the Office of the Medical Investigator. The initial report revealed that there were no visible signs of external trauma on either Gene Hackman or Betsy Arakawa. The absence of any cut marks, bruises, or indications of blunt force injury was a key observation noted by the investigators. According to the preliminary findings released by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, “An autopsy was performed. Initial findings noted no external trauma to either individual. Carbon monoxide and toxicology tests have been requested for both.” However, with these tests still in progress, authorities have not yet determined the cause or manner of death.
