Authorities believe it is a “reasonable assumption” that legendary actor Gene Hackman passed away on February 17, the date when his pacemaker recorded its final activity.
Hackman, known for his award-winning performances over several decades, was found dead alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, inside their residence in a gated community in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The couple’s bodies were discovered in separate rooms, adding to the mystery surrounding their deaths. Shockingly, one of their three pet dogs was also found deceased near Arakawa, raising further questions about the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.
The news of their passing was confirmed on Wednesday, sending shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond. Officials later revealed that the condition of the bodies suggested they had been dead for several days before being found—possibly even as long as two weeks.
This revelation only deepened the uncertainty surrounding their final moments, as family, friends, and fans struggled to understand what had transpired. With no immediate signs of foul play or forced entry, speculation began to mount about whether their deaths were due to natural causes or an unexpected medical emergency.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza provided further insight into the case during a press briefing on Friday. He explained that data retrieved from Hackman’s pacemaker indicated that the device had registered its “last event” on February 17, 2025. “According to the pathologist, I think that is a very good assumption—that was his last day of life,” Mendoza stated.
While the pacemaker data offers a potential timeline for Hackman’s death, the exact cause remains under investigation. Arakawa’s time of death, however, remains even more uncertain, leaving authorities with a complex puzzle to unravel.
Determining when the couple last communicated with others has proven to be a significant challenge for investigators. Sheriff Mendoza acknowledged that because of their preference for a private lifestyle, it has been difficult to establish a concrete timeline of their last interactions.
“That’s one of our challenges because of their privacy,” he admitted. In an effort to piece together their final days, authorities plan to examine the couple’s cell phones, review a calendar found near their bodies, and reach out to family members, workers, and security personnel who may have had recent contact with them.
Despite the lingering questions, early findings from the investigation have ruled out several possible causes of death. Mendoza confirmed that an autopsy revealed “no external trauma” on either body, indicating that they were not victims of violence.
Additionally, both Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning, eliminating concerns of a gas leak or other environmental hazards. While some had speculated that an accidental fall might have led to their deaths, Mendoza dismissed this theory as well. “There was no trauma indicated. I’m assuming if they had fallen or injured themselves, that would have been discovered by the pathologists,” he explained.
As authorities continue their investigation, they are still awaiting the final autopsy and toxicology results, which Mendoza cautioned could take “months or longer” to complete. Toxicology tests will be crucial in determining whether any substances, medications, or medical conditions played a role in the couple’s deaths.
Until those results come in, law enforcement officials remain cautious about drawing definitive conclusions. Meanwhile, the couple’s deaths have left an immense void in the film industry, where Hackman’s contributions to cinema remain unparalleled.
Gene Hackman, a former Marine turned Hollywood icon, starred in over 80 films throughout his illustrious career, winning two Academy Awards and cementing his status as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
His wife, Betsy Arakawa, was a renowned concert pianist, and the two shared a deep bond that lasted decades. They first met in the mid-1980s before marrying in 1991, spending much of their later years away from the public eye in New Mexico. Their love story, though largely private, was admired by many who knew them.
Following the announcement of their passing, tributes poured in from around the world. Among those paying their respects was Prince William, who described Hackman as “a true genius of film who brought each and every character to life with power, authenticity, and star quality” in a heartfelt message on social media.
Fellow actors, directors, and admirers echoed similar sentiments, reflecting on Hackman’s lasting impact on the entertainment industry. As the investigation into the couple’s deaths continues, fans are left to mourn the loss of a cinematic legend and his beloved wife, whose legacy will live on for generations to come.
