New details have emerged regarding the moments leading up to the tragic deaths of Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog, who were found at their New Mexico estate. Officials recently revealed that the couple was discovered within the same building on their sprawling Santa Fe property, suggesting they passed away within a close timeframe.
On February 26, Hollywood was shaken by the heartbreaking news that Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found deceased in their home. Their 12-year-old Australian Kelpie, Zinna, was also found dead, while their two other dogs survived.
The search warrant application provided intriguing details about the scene, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Upon entering the home on Old Sunset Trail, officers immediately observed a bathroom to the left of the front door, with its door open. Arakawa was found lying on the bathroom floor, near a black space heater, with an open prescription bottle and scattered pills on the counter.
Zinna, initially misidentified as a German Shepherd in the affidavit, was found deceased in a kennel approximately 10 to 15 feet from Arakawa, inside a closet in the bathroom. According to Joey Padilla, owner of Santa Fe Tails pet care, Zinna was deeply attached to Arakawa, describing their bond as “a beautiful relationship.” He added that the couple’s two surviving German Shepherds, Bear and Nikita, are now in good care.
Hackman was found elsewhere in the house, specifically in what is believed to be a mudroom, with a cane and sunglasses lying nearby. Both Hackman and Arakawa appeared to have collapsed suddenly, and their bodies were in a state of decomposition. Carbon monoxide poisoning was ruled out, and there were no signs of foul play, according to Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, who suggested the couple “had been deceased for quite a while.”
Adding to the mystery, Hackman’s pacemaker recorded its last heartbeat on February 17, indicating he may have died more than a week before his body was discovered. This timeline raises concerns about what transpired after his passing and how Arakawa may have spent her final moments.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden theorized that Hackman likely suffered a fatal heart attack, leading Arakawa to rush to retrieve his blood pressure medication from the bathroom. In this hurried state, she may have spilled the pills, slipped, and suffered a fatal head injury when the space heater struck her. Baden speculated that Arakawa could have sustained an internal brain injury, which may not have been externally visible.
Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya supported the idea that their deaths occurred within a close window of time, reinforcing the possibility that Arakawa’s passing was connected to Hackman’s sudden collapse. Moya noted that the estate spanned over 9,000 square feet and contained three structures, but both bodies were found within the same building.
As authorities continue their investigation, Hackman’s family has refrained from speculation, waiting for the toxicology reports to provide definitive answers. “We’re waiting on toxicology. That will tell us everything,” said Tim Hackman, the actor’s nephew. “There are lots of theories out there, and I don’t want to speculate. The family wants to keep it positive for now, and when we know the truth, we will deal with it.”
With new details emerging daily, the upcoming March 7 press conference is expected to shed further light on the case. As fans and loved ones mourn, one thing remains certain—Gene Hackman was a Hollywood legend, and his passing marks the end of an era. His remarkable career and contributions to cinema will forever be cherished by moviegoers around the world.
