Gene Hackman and his wife (and their pet dog) are found dead at their home.

[Ray.]

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza has confirmed just after midnight that the couple and their dog had sadly died but no foul play is thought to have happened in relation to their passing, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican (https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/sheriff-gene-hackman-wife-found-dead-in-santa-fe-home-no-foul-play-suspected/article_2ea8855a-f4b8-11ef-b501-73232a2b5213.html?).

I've also seen some media outlets speculate that could be a murder-suicide or a double suicide, but obviously that hasn't been confirmed at this time, I don't think.

[UserSince2005]

Drama. Not the pet dog too!

[Niamh.]

Could be carbon monoxide poisoning

[Crimson Dynamo]

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/27/08/95639291-14442071-image-a-156_1740644471464.jpg

[Ammi]

…I don’t know very much about his wife, I believe she was a classical pianist…Gene Hackman was obviously a cinema/movie icon …a legend’s legend…although there are no suspicious circumstances as such, it’s obviously quite unusual for both plus their dog to have all died at the same time …

[Beso]

Very strange.

[thesheriff443]

He was 95 and his wife was 63

[Cherie]

Probably a pact between them, quiet the age difference, sad new, he was an icon

[thesheriff443]

Probably a pact between them, quiet the age difference, sad new, he was an icon

Only a pact if she was dying 32 year age gap

[Ray.]

Imagine if the circumstances of their deaths turn into a riddle for the ages. It'd be a death truly befitting of the greatest criminal mind of our time. :laugh:

https://c.tenor.com/ulUYLjHKmCsAAAAd/tenor.gif

[Crimson Dynamo]

He was 95 and his wife was 63

when she was about to inherit a fortune?

[Ammi]

Imagine if the circumstances of their deaths turn into a riddle for the ages. It'd be a death truly befitting of the greatest criminal mind of our time. :laugh:

https://c.tenor.com/ulUYLjHKmCsAAAAd/tenor.gif

In 2011, he was asked by GQ if he would ever come out of retirement to do one more film, to which Hackman responded: 'If I could do it in my own house, maybe, without them disturbing anything and just one or two people.'

[arista]

Could be carbon monoxide poisoning

possible

[smudgie]

It shouts out at carbon monoxide poisoning.
Especially with the dog dying as well.

[thesheriff443]

when she was about to inherit a fortune?

You wot mate?

[Crimson Dynamo]

It shouts out at carbon monoxide poisoning.
Especially with the dog dying as well.

yes

I cant see too many other explanations

[thesheriff443]

It shouts out at carbon monoxide poisoning.
Especially with the dog dying as well.

Like a blind man,
I can’t see it.

[Beso]

Wouldn't carbon monoxide come under suspicious.

Maybe the dog died of starvation.

[Niamh.]

Wouldn't carbon monoxide come under suspicious.

Maybe the dog died of starvation.

I don't think so, it would be accidental really. I would take suspicious to mean a crime

[Livia]

What a shame this will be the defining discussion of him following such an amazing career.

[arista]

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/27/11/95646161-0-image-m-12_1740655683258.jpg


https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/27/08/95639293-14442071-image-a-157_1740644480824.jpg
[Hackman,95 is seen with his wife
Betsy Arakawa (pictured, right) in March 2024.
It was the first time in two decades
that the couple,
had been married since 1991,
were seen out and about]


https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14442307/How-Gene-Hackmans-dog-key-mystery-death-Oscar-winner-wife-Betsy-Arakawa.html

[Nicky91]

RIP


what an incredible actor Gene truly was :love: especially phenomenal performances in A Bridge Too Far as a Polish General which he played superbly well, as well as being iconic as Lex Luthor opposite to Christopher Reeve's Superman



95 is an incredible age as well

[bots]

what it means is there was no obvious signs of foul play. Obviously there was a reason for all 3 being found dead, but autopsy will be needed to identify the cause

[Cherie]

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/27/11/95646161-0-image-m-12_1740655683258.jpg


https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/27/08/95639293-14442071-image-a-157_1740644480824.jpg
[Hackman,95 is seen with his wife
Betsy Arakawa (pictured, right) in March 2024.
It was the first time in two decades
that the couple,
had been married since 1991,
were seen out and about]


https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14442307/How-Gene-Hackmans-dog-key-mystery-death-Oscar-winner-wife-Betsy-Arakawa.html

Seriously? the headline is why did his dog die? I think given how frail he looks there the liklihood is that he was close to death and she did not want to live without him and also took care of the dog so it didn't have to go into kennels after their death, seems pretty clear cut to me but what do I know

[Crimson Dynamo]

Seriously? the headline is why did his dog die? I think given how frail he looks there the liklihood is that he was close to death and she did not want to live without him and also took care of the dog so it didn't have to go into kennels after their death, seems pretty clear cut to me but what do I know

nope I think its more likely carbon monoxide

[arista]

Seriously? the headline is why did his dog die? I think given how frail he looks there the liklihood is that he was close to death and she did not want to live without him and also took care of the dog so it didn't have to go into kennels after their death, seems pretty clear cut to me but what do I know



Yes they must have other info?

[arista]

From TMZ

Daughter thinks it was a gas leak
(carbon monoxide poisoning)

[Crimson Dynamo]

two of his dogs SURVIVED

[Vanessa]

I think it's a gas leak as well. They wouldn't have known :sad:

[Cherie]

two of his dogs SURVIVED

oh that puts a different complexion on it..... what a sad end if it is CB poisoning....all that cash and they didn't have an CB alarm...

[Vanessa]

oh that puts a different complexion on it..... what a sad end if it is CB poisoning....all that cash and they didn't have an CB alarm...

Not everyone has it sadly.
And you can't smell it. So you would have no idea if there was a gas leak

[Crimson Dynamo]

oh that puts a different complexion on it..... what a sad end if it is CB poisoning....all that cash and they didn't have an CB alarm...

or did not change batteries..

[Cherie]

Not everyone has it sadly.
And you can't smell it. So you would have no idea if there was a gas leak

if you have a gas boiler they cost about 7.00 and are a must

[Vanessa]

if you have a gas boiler they cost about 7.00 and are a must

Yes but maybe the battery ran out?

[Crimson Dynamo]

I literally replaced mine about 3 weeks ago. It started peeping on the hour and that means change the battery

[arista]

Yes, I have an Alarm

Great to have if a Carbon Gas leak happens

[arista]

I literally replaced mine about 3 weeks ago. It started peeping on the hour and that means change the battery



Yes,
Great they let you know
to change the Battery

[Ithinkiloveyoutoo]

Nooooo terrible way to end. Shocked and sad

[arista]

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/27/16/95658351-0-image-m-13_1740675049205.jpg


[Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were found
mummified at mansion with pills strewn in bathroom]



It gets worse

[arista]

[Gene Hackmanband his wife Betsy Arakawa were
found partially-mummified
at the couple's $3.3 million mansion,
with pills strewn in their bathroom.

An arrest warrant obtained by DailyMail.com
revealed Arakawa, 64, was found decomposed
with bloating on her face and mummification
in her hands and feet.

Sheriffs said Hackman was found to have the
same signs of decomposition as his wife.]

[Crimson Dynamo]

what on earth?

[arista]

[Mummification occurs when a person's skin
and tissues are preserved after their death.
While most associate it with ancient
Egyptians wrapping the corpses of
pharaohs in bandages,
it can also be achieved
if a body is left in a place with cold,
dry air where bacteria struggles to grow.
Santa Fe is known to enjoy such
a climate during winter.

Two maintenance workers called
Roland Lowe Begay and Jesse Kesler discovered
the bodies of Arakawa and her retired Hollywood
star husband at their luxurious million
Santa Fe mansion Wednesday
at 1:46pm Mountain Time.

The identities of Hackman and Arakawa
were not released for nearly 12 hours,
with details of how the couple were found now
offering a possible explanation for the delay.

Begay and Kesler told investigators they
hadn't seen them for two weeks.
Both appear to have been dead
for some time.

A detective noted in the search warrant
that 'the death of the two deceased
individuals to be suspicious enough
in nature to require a thorough search
and investigation.'

Arakawa was discovered lying on the
bathroom floor of the couple's home
on her right side, with an open
prescription bottle of pills scattered
across a nearby countertop.
No indication has been given as
to what the pills were and whether
they had been prescribed to
Hackman or his wife. ]



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14443973/Gene-Hackman-betsy-arakawa-bodies.html

[arista]

what on earth?



Both dead for some time,
many days

[Crimson Dynamo]

both dead for some time,
many days

sounds like weeks

[arista]

sounds like weeks


Yes terrible

[Cherie]

Yes but maybe the battery ran out?

They make a very annoying beep when the battery is low

[Crimson Dynamo]

They make a very annoying beep when the battery is low

people take out the battery to stop that beep then forget to replace?

[Cherie]

if she was found with pills beside her, it sounds like he might have passed away and she killed herself.....where were their family, how very sad

[Cherie]

people take out the battery to stop that beep then forget to replace?

possibly, but would they both have died at exactly the same time?

[Crimson Dynamo]

if she was found with pills beside her, it sounds like he might have passed away and she killed herself.....where were their family, how very sad

You don't kill yourself in your 60s when a 95 year old man dies (unless you did something nefarious) plus she was about to inherit a fortune

[Niamh.]

You don't kill yourself in your 60s when a 95 year old man dies (unless you did something nefarious) plus she was about to inherit a fortuneYou have no idea about her or what she felt. Not everything revolves around money you know. If it did no rich person would ever commit suicide and we know that's not true

[Crimson Dynamo]

You have no idea about her or what she felt. Not everything revolves around money you know. If it did no rich person would ever commit suicide and we know that's not true

I am not saying it cant ever happen I am suggesting its highly unlikely given the circumstances. Have you ever heard of a woman in her sixties committing suicide because her husband in his 90s died?

[GoldHeart]

Bizarre tragedy

I thought gas leak at first ,but how did the other 2 dogs survive then ?.

[Niamh.]

I am not saying it cant ever happen I am suggesting its highly unlikely given the circumstances. Have you ever heard of a woman in her sixties committing suicide because her husband in his 90s died?I don't even know any women in there 60s married to a man in their 90s :shrug:

[Cherie]

You don't kill yourself in your 60s when a 95 year old man dies (unless you did something nefarious) plus she was about to inherit a fortune

They have been together since the 90s....its not unheard of ....and as Neem says money is not everything, I hope it goes to a dogs home and not their horrible family who don't seem to have been in touch in weeks

[arista]

[A space heater was found next to Arakawa's head,
which investigators believe may have fallen.

Hackman was found dead in a mud room off
the couple's kitchen, the warrant said.
Police first spotted his legs on the ground in
what appeared to be a mud room.

The Oscar-winning Superman star was
fully clothed, in a gray sweat pants,
a blue in color long-sleeve t-shirt, brown slippers.

His sunglasses and walking cane were
found next to his body,
suggesting he may have died of a sudden fall.

Arakawa was wearing dark grey sweatpants
and a light-colored sweatshirt.

Firefighters were called to the property but
there were no signs of a gas leak. ]


https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14443973/Gene-Hackman-betsy-arakawa-bodies.html

[Cherie]

[A space heater was found next to Arakawa's head,
which investigators believe may have fallen.

Hackman was found dead in a mud room off
the couple's kitchen, the warrant said.
Police first spotted his legs on the ground in
what appeared to be a mud room.

The Oscar-winning Superman star was
fully clothed, in a gray sweat pants,
a blue in color long-sleeve t-shirt, brown slippers.

His sunglasses and walking cane were
found next to his body,
suggesting he may have died of a sudden fall.

Arakawa was wearing dark grey sweatpants
and a light-colored sweatshirt.

Firefighters were called to the property but
there were no signs of a gas leak. ]


https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14443973/Gene-Hackman-betsy-arakawa-bodies.html

its unlikely he died then a space heater fell on her head

[LaLaLand]

RIP. Hackman was one of the best actors EVER, no exaggeration.

What a sad/tragic end for a true great of our time. I just hope there was no foul play here.

[bots]

the wife already had the money, she was sharing her life with a 95 year old

[Crimson Dynamo]

the wife already had the money, she was sharing her life with a 95 year old

seems odd

I guess the fame of someone is more important than anything for some people

[Crimson Dynamo]

like Liam Paynes "girlfriend" for example

[arista]

https://liveblog.digitalimages.sky/lc-images-sky/lcimg-62e00226-dd8d-4904-bb74-573b224cd492.jpeg

[Cherie]

seems odd

I guess the fame of someone is more important than anything for some people

They had been together for 30 plus years he would have been 65 and she 32 when they got together, its not unheard of and she had plenty time to abandon ship if she was in it for the money, personally I dont think that was the case

[rusticgal]

I am not saying it cant ever happen I am suggesting its highly unlikely given the circumstances. Have you ever heard of a woman in her sixties committing suicide because her husband in his 90s died?


I don’t think her age matters…some people are so devoted to each other that they can’t see or bring themselves to live without them. Maybe this was the case…

[rusticgal]

RIP. Hackman was one of the best actors EVER, no exaggeration.

What a sad/tragic end for a true great of our time. I just hope there was no foul play here.


Yes…a great man and a great actor.

[Alf]

So Gene Hackman is over 30 years older than his wife. They got together when she was in her twenties and Gene was in his fifties.

Gene owned a private island.

His death just happened to coincide at the same time that there are rumblings of the Epstein list on its way.

Not saying or accusing anything or anyone, just stating things that are facts.

[LaLaLand]

The search warrant revealed that Hackman and Arakawa had been dead for some time before their bodies were discovered as “the body was in a state of decomposition with bloating in her face and mummification in her hands and feet”.

A prescription bottle was also found on a countertop in the house, with pills scattered around.

According to the search warrant, Arakawa was found on the floor of a bathroom near the countertop beside a space heater that the deputies believed could have toppled and knocked her over. Hackman’s body was in the mud room of the house, fully clothed in gray sweatpants and a long-sleeve T-shirt and with a cane.

Deputies believed he might have had a sudden fall.

The warrant indicated that in the initial search no problems with leaking gas were found. The search warrant concluded that the deaths were “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation”.

Three German shepherds were at the home at the time that deputies entered the property, one of which was found deceased inside a closet in the bathroom about 10-15ft from Arakawa’s body.

Deputies reported that there were no signs of trauma to the bodies. No suicide note was discovered.

All very strange!

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/feb/27/gene-hackman-cause-of-death-investigation

[Ammi]

…it really is a list of Hollywood/movie royalty in Gene Hackman’s peers who have spoken words of tribute to him…his talent appreciated so much by both movie lovers and movie givers…:love:…

[AnnieK]

They are now reporting that the wife could have been dead for some time as her body was showing signs of mummification. This is all very strange now :sad:

[Ammi]

They are now reporting that the wife could have been dead for some time as her body was showing signs of mummification. This is all very strange now :sad:

…I believe that they both showed signs of mummification…and the property was ‘unsecured and open’ but no indication of a break in…it feels like some very sad chain of events, possibly…we may know more soon…

[Crimson Dynamo]

I mean i have heard of bodies decomposing when left for was while but not mummification, that seems a very odd choice of words?

[Ammi]

..my own theory would be that Betsy Arawaka had some kind of accident in the bathroom while she was getting medication…maybe for herself or maybe she had found her husband after he’d fallen in the mud room…(…or maybe he had found her and was trying to get outside to get hep…and maybe if some pills or a pill was knocked onto the floor, the dog ate it, which caused that death…

[bots]

All this means is that their deaths happened a few weeks ago rather than very recently. It really doesn't point to a cause or series of events.

[Ammi]

…most of the articles seem to mention Betsy’s body condition and then just go on to say that Gene’s was similar so it might be that she died first of an accident in the bathroom or some such tragic event and he was unable to get help or care for himself …so his death was some time later…

[Crimson Dynamo]

Surely they had carers calling each day or servants or some such thing?

[Kazanne]

Two dogs alive ,one dead,now police think foul play MIGHT be a factor

[arista]

Yes, we are awaiting a New Update.

[arista]

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/28/07/95681123-0-image-m-6_1740728925331.jpg

[arista]

Way back in 1979

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/27/19/95645291-14444245-Gene_and_daughter_Elizabeth_in_March_1979_in_Bever ly_Hills_Calif-a-4_1740684250310.jpg
[Gene and daughter Elizabeth in March 1979 in
Beverly Hills, California]


https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14444699/gene-hackman-daughter-dennys-run-day-body-found.html

[Vanessa]

Two dogs alive ,one dead,now police think foul play MIGHT be a factor

If it's not a gas leak or carbon monoxide then it could be something else. It definitely needs to be investigated.

[Vanessa]

Where were his children? Why didn't they keep in touch with their dad? To at least make sure they were ok.

[AnnieK]

Where were his children? Why didn't they keep in touch with their dad? To at least make sure they were ok.

I read he had a strained relationship with them when they were growing up as he was hardly ever around and then moved to the other side of the country so they all lost touch. He said himself his success came at the cost of his children as he wasn't available to them when they needed him.

[Ammi]

I read he had a strained relationship with them when they were growing up as he was hardly ever around and then moved to the other side of the country so they all lost touch. He said himself his success came at the cost of his children as he wasn't available to them when they needed him.

…I read that the guys who were working at their house and who I think ultimately called for a welfare check …?…had said that they had barely seen them in their time their and many articles describe the couple as ‘reclusive’…so I think it’s quite layered and complex as these things sometimes are…

[Ray.]

I like how some of us in this thread are engaging our inner Agatha Christie and trying to propose a solution to the bizarre set of circumstances here. :laugh: As I understand it, he was something of an aspiring novelist himself in his twilight years, with a particular interest in the American Civil War.

[Ammi]

I like how some of us in this thread are engaging our inner Agatha Christie and trying to propose a solution to the bizarre set of circumstances here. :laugh: As I understand it, he was something of an aspiring novelist himself in his twilight years, with a particular interest in the American Civil War.

Imagine if the circumstances of their deaths turn into a riddle for the ages. It'd be a death truly befitting of the greatest criminal mind of our time. :laugh:

https://c.tenor.com/ulUYLjHKmCsAAAAd/tenor.gif

…well, this felt a bit like a challenge to me and we always give our best for a challenge…:fan:…

[arista]

…I read that the guys who were working at their house and who I think ultimately called for a welfare check …?…had said that they had barely seen them in their time their and many articles describe the couple as ‘reclusive’…so I think it’s quite layered and complex as these things sometimes are…


Yes he was 95,
so not seen much.



But their door was Open?

[Ammi]

Yes he was 95,
so not seen much.



But their door was Open?

…it was apparently open some reports are saying but the 911 call from the maintenance man has been released and in that call when he is asked…’are they breathing…?…’…he said that he didn’t know because the house was all locked up and he wasn’t able to enter/…he could just see through the window …

[arista]

…it was apparently open some reports are saying but the 911 call from the maintenance man has been released and in that call when he is asked…’are they breathing…?…’…he said that he didn’t know because the house was all locked up and he wasn’t able to enter/…he could just see through the window …


Yes, they played the Worker,
calling the Police on every news.

Doors were Locked.


At least they are doing the Autopsy now.

[Vanessa]

Some people on Facebook have this theory.
He had a heart attack.
She runs to get his medication and slips and hits her head.
But this would be extremely bad luck :shocked:

[Barry.]

Some people on Facebook have this theory.
He had a heart attack.
She runs to get his medication and slips and hits her head.
But this would be extremely bad luck :shocked:

And the dog?

[Vanessa]

And the dog?

Maybe he ate the pills on the floor thinking they were treats?

[arista]

Maybe he ate the pills on the floor thinking they were treats?


Yes Well Done
Insp. Vanessa

[Barry.]

Maybe he ate the pills on the floor thinking they were treats?

I don’t know, it’s a bit far fetched but hey it could be true

[bots]

Maybe the dog died and the shock of it killed the Hackman's

[Crimson Dynamo]

I don’t know, it’s a bit far fetched but hey it could be true

a dogs smell is well over 1000x better than a human

anyone who has tried to get a dog to eat a pill wrapped in cheese or chocolate knows dogs do not eat pills

they are not daft

[Livia]

a dogs smell is well over 1000x better than a human

anyone who has tried to get a dog to eat a pill wrapped in cheese or chocolate knows dogs do not eat pills

they are not daft

My dog will eat whatever the pill's wrapped in... ham, cheese, finest pate... and the pill will dribble out of the side of his gob and onto the carpet.

[Crimson Dynamo]

My dog will eat whatever the pill's wrapped in... ham, cheese, finest pate... and the pill will dribble out of the side of his gob and onto the carpet.

yep mine too

its like a game for her :laugh:

[Quantum Boy]

a dogs smell is well over 1000x better than a human

anyone who has tried to get a dog to eat a pill wrapped in cheese or chocolate knows dogs do not eat pills

they are not daft

I mean as a labrador owner I can confidently say that some dogs will eat anything. Literally, anything. "Oh I see you've spilled some delicious sink and plug hole unblocker let me help you with that". Never had to disguise a pill when she's needed them - they'll e happily accepted, might as well be a slice of ham.

So in theory... it COULD make sense that one dog died and to others didn't due to dropped pills... if two of the dogs were normal-brained and avoided them, but one was unfortunately happier to experiment with eating the pills.

[Niamh.]

Maybe the dog died and the shock of it killed the Hackman's:laugh2:

[Niamh.]

a dogs smell is well over 1000x better than a human



anyone who has tried to get a dog to eat a pill wrapped in cheese or chocolate knows dogs do not eat pills



they are not daftOur dog is on 11 pills a day (cancer :( ) and she swallows them down in seconds wrapped in a tiny bit of sliced meat [emoji23]

PS don't feed your dog chocolate :nono:

[Cherie]

a dogs smell is well over 1000x better than a human

anyone who has tried to get a dog to eat a pill wrapped in cheese or chocolate knows dogs do not eat pills

they are not daft

My dog will eat whatever the pill's wrapped in... ham, cheese, finest pate... and the pill will dribble out of the side of his gob and onto the carpet.

top tip, cover the pill with inside of a Milky way sans chocolate, a vet told us this and it works every time

[Cherie]

Our dog is on 11 pills a day (cancer :( ) and she swallows them down in seconds wrapped in a tiny bit of sliced meat [emoji23]

PS don't feed your dog chocolate :nono:

aw bless :hug:

[Cherie]

Maybe the dog died and the shock of it killed the Hackman's

:joker:

[Ammi]

…I wonder what the health of the surviving dogs if the Hackmans had been dead for several days/weeks and they hadn’t been fed or even had water to drink…I guess a dog would eat a pill(s) or anything if it were hungry enough…

[Ammi]

Some people on Facebook have this theory.
He had a heart attack.
She runs to get his medication and slips and hits her head.
But this would be extremely bad luck :shocked:

..my own theory would be that Betsy Arawaka had some kind of accident in the bathroom while she was getting medication…maybe for herself or maybe she had found her husband after he’d fallen in the mud room…(…or maybe he had found her and was trying to get outside to get hep…and maybe if some pills or a pill was knocked onto the floor, the dog ate it, which caused that death…

…that’s similar to my possible theory, Vanessa…only I think that she died first as all of the reports seem to be primarily focused on her body deterioration…

[Livia]

top tip, cover the pill with inside of a Milky way sans chocolate, a vet told us this and it works every time

Going to try this.

[arista]

Police in New Mexico
have now stated
Nothing is Ruled Out.

All Media

[joeysteele]

Awful thinking of how long they must have been there before being found.
It sounds gruesome.
R I P.

[Ammi]

Gene Hackman investigators reveal drugs they found inside mummified actor's home alongside haunting document….


Two different medications and a 2025 calendar were found inside Gene Hackman's home where he died along with his wife and dog.

Mummified bodies of retired actor Hackman, 95, and Betsy Arakawa, 64, were found in their secluded mansion in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday.

Amid speculation of their mystery cause of death, including suggestions by his family of carbon monoxide poisoning, police ordered autopsies and toxicology tests.

Investigators searched the $3.8 million home on Thursday and found thyroid medication and Diltiazem inside, along with Tylenol.

Arakawa was found dead on the floor of the couple's bathroom. An open bottle of prescription pills was found partially scattered on a countertop nearby.

Both Diltiazem and common thyroid medications can cause death if too much is ingested, as they interfere with heart function - but extremely few fatalities have been recorded even when dozens were swallowed in suicide attempts.

Police also listed two green phones, a 2025 monthly calendar planner and the couple's health records, but didn't go into detail about what was in them.

Autopsies were completed early on Thursday morning, authorities are still waiting on the full results, along with a toxicology report.


…full article…

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14448203/Gene-Hackman-Betsy-Arakawa-drugs-police-search-Santa-Fe-home.html

[Crimson Dynamo]

Gene Hackman investigators reveal common drugs (as in everyones home) inside home as you would expect

They also found a washing machine and a fridge

:omgno:

[arista]

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/28/17/95689341-14448203-An_emotional_911_call_revealed_a_maintenance_worke r_s_panic_afte-a-1_1740764769125.jpg

A few years back.

[arista]

Carbon Monoxide

100% Not in their bodies

New Mexico Police Confirmed.

[arista]

CNN HD/SkyNewsHD stated

They think they were dead for 9 Days.

His Pacemaker showed he was Alive
on Feb 17th at 8:25PM

[bots]

there was no carbon monoxide leak. The front door was found open by the maintenance men, but it was not a breakin and nothing appeared to be taken

[arista]

Cops messed up.


[Police initially said the couple's
German Shepherd named Bear was found
dead in its kennel inside the home,
but the pup was actually alive ]


[Gene Hackman cops admit huge crime scene
blunder as mystery surrounding actor's
death deepens]


https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14461657/gene-hackman-cops-crime-scene-blunder-death.html

[Niamh.]

Wtaf?

[Ammi]

…but even with the police mess up, the title is still correct, Arista…they were found with a pet dog dead…/…the police had apparently specified the wrong pet that had died but Ray’s title didn’t specify which pet…

[Cherie]

what a mess

[arista]

…but even with the police mess up, the title is still correct, Arista…they were found with a pet dog dead…/…the police had apparently specified the wrong pet that had died but Ray’s title didn’t specify which pet…


OK

[Ammi]

…there still doesn’t seem to be any advancement in this as it’s just more theories from ‘death scene experts’ trying to put it all together but there are variables within those speculations also…what seems to be emerging is that the Hackman’s were quite reclusive in terms of the community and neighbours etc…and also with Gene Hackman’s children, who hadn’t seen them for a long period of time…I’m not sure what contact they had…

[arista]

At some point
The Police will have all the data
to conclude.

Could be suicide?


A Detective
would be better to speak, next time

[Ammi]

At some point
The Police will have all the data
to conclude.

Could be suicide?

…yeah, that’s basically not ruling anything out atm…or who died first…did Gene Hackman have a heart attack and his wife tried to get his medication and had a tragic accident in her panic…or did she have a medical emergency/collapse or try to commit suicide and he was trying to get help for her….i think it’s hard for the authorities to put it all together as well because they were so reclusive, either little knowledge of their routines and medical conditions etc/other than seeing their medication…even their regular maintenance people didn’t tend to see them…

[Beso]

CNN HD/SkyNewsHD stated

They think they were dead for 9 Days.

His Pacemaker showed he was Alive
on Feb 17th at 8:25PM

Power cut?

[Ammi]

Gene Hackman's wife died from rare infectious disease around a week before actor's death, medical investigator says…


Gene Hackman's wife died from a rare infectious disease around a week before the actor died, medical investigators have said.

The couple were found dead in their New Mexico home on 26 February, along with one of their pet dogs. Police have previously said there were no apparent signs of foul play.

At a press conference on Friday, chief medical investigator for New Mexico, doctor Heather Jarrell, gave an update on the results of post-mortem investigations carried out following their deaths.

Doctor Jarrell said Hackman's wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare infectious disease. There were no signs of trauma and the death was a result of natural causes, she said.

The doctor said Arakawa likely died on 11 February, the date she was last known to have communicated with people via email.

She said Hackman had advanced Alzheimer's and died from heart disease, with data from his pacemaker last registering on 18 February.

Due to his Alzheimer's, "it's quite possible he was not aware that [his wife] was deceased," Dr Jarrell added.

The actor tested negative for hantavirus, a rare disease spread by infected rodent droppings.

Humans can contract hantavirus by breathing in contaminated air, and symptoms can start as soon as one week, or as long as eight weeks, later. It is not transmissible from person to person.

There were just seven confirmed cases of hantavirus in New Mexico last year, and Arakawa is the only person confirmed to have contracted it in the state in 2025. Between 1975 and 2023, New Mexico recorded a total of 129 hantavirus cases, with 52 deaths.

Santa Fe County sheriff Adan Mendoza said authorities are still waiting for data from mobile phones found at the property, but it is "very unlikely they are going to show anything else".

"There's no indication" that Hackman used a mobile phone or any other technology to communicate and the couple lived a very private life before their deaths, he added.

The cause of the couple's dog's death has not been confirmed but it is now known that Arakawa had picked the animal up from the vet, where it had undergone a procedure, on 9 February.

The procedure "may explain why [the dog] was in a crate at the residence" while two surviving dogs were found roaming the property, Mr Mendoza said.

[Beso]

Grim.

[arista]

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/03/08/01/95973035-0-image-m-2_1741398924759.jpg

[Starving and confused. Dogs going mad... not even knowing
his wife was dead: Awful way a Hollywood great died]


[But Gene Hackman's lonely end in the mud room
of his Santa Fe mansion - a week after the death
of his wife in the bathroom from a rat-borne virus - was as
far away from the spotlight as possible.

Police confirmed Friday that Hackman, 95, died from
cardiovascular disease around February 18 - days
after Betsy Arakawa, 65, succumbed to Hantavirus
Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in their bathroom
around February 11.]

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14475215/Gene-Hackman-wife-betsy-arakawa-death-hantavirus-final-days.html

Yes,
tragic his family
could have popped in to feed him.


But they did not like them.

[Ammi]

…I think that they were quite reclusive as well and that family relationships were quite complex and layered… it’s one of those incredibly sad things that shouldn’t have happened but it did …there was obviously no type of care put into place on any level for a couple whose health issues required some kind of care plan …

[bots]

it's a sad end to a long life

[Ammi]

…yes, very sad…and it feels as though they isolated from most aspects of life apart from each other and their dogs…the dog that died had recently had a procedure at the vets so they catered for the health and well-being of their animals but not their own…?…no care plan for two isolated people who both had serious health issues…


…Betsy Arakawa’s disease contracted through rodent droppings so a possible indication of living in very poor conditions …l

[Vanessa]

…I think that they were quite reclusive as well and that family relationships were quite complex and layered… it’s one of those incredibly sad things that shouldn’t have happened but it did …there was obviously no type of care put into place on any level for a couple whose health issues required some kind of care plan …

That's where his family should have stepped in and insisted on getting them help.

[Ammi]

That's where his family should have stepped in and insisted on getting them help.

…knowing nothing of any of their life in terms of relationships of friends/family etc , I honestly don’t know, Vanessa…stepping in isn’t always an option but I don’t know if that applies, either…there seems to have been a breakdown in all aspects of their relationships with others and it’s all very sad…

[Cherie]

such a sad ending, he must have been so confused, and his wife must have died so suddenly so tragic

[Gusto Brunt]

The dog must have starved to death. :(

[LaLaLand]

The dog must have starved to death. :(

Poor thing.

The thought of Gene just rattling around in that house “alone” all that time too, probably not really knowing where he is/what’s going on. Heartbreaking. Such a tragic end.

[arista]

All the Dirty Rats fault

Should have had Boxed traps to kill them

[Niamh.]

How awful

[arista]

…I think that they were quite reclusive as well and that family relationships were quite complex and layered… it’s one of those incredibly sad things that shouldn’t have happened but it did …there was obviously no type of care put into place on any level for a couple whose health issues required some kind of care plan …



Of course the younger Wife
was looking after him.


But forget the Rats


If only she put down Boxed traps
that kill the rat

[Gusto Brunt]

Poor thing.

The thought of Gene just rattling around in that house “alone” all that time too, probably not really knowing where he is/what’s going on. Heartbreaking. Such a tragic end.

Yes, he used to be a big, strong man, physically and mentally.

Getting really old sucks. :(

[Vanessa]

…knowing nothing of any of their life in terms of relationships of friends/family etc , I honestly don’t know, Vanessa…stepping in isn’t always an option but I don’t know if that applies, either…there seems to have been a breakdown in all aspects of their relationships with others and it’s all very sad…

That's what we did for our dad. We got him some help at home. He didn't want it of course, but in the end he appreciated it.

[Vanessa]

All the Dirty Rats fault

Should have had Boxed traps to kill them

Apparently there was no trace of a rat infestation in the house itself. But there was in the other buildings of the property.

[arista]

Apparently there was no trace if a rat infestation in the house itself. But there was in the other buildings of the property.



Sure all buildings
could have had Rat Catching boxes.

She was Growing Plants
great, but Rats run a poo every place

But she
never thought of Rats poo
all over her places.


This is why you must get a Rat Box
to keep all humans safe

[arista]

Yes, he used to be a big, strong man, physically and mentally.

Getting really old sucks. :(


He made it to 95
because of his Heathly Food from his wife

[Vanessa]

He made it to 95
because of his Heathly Food from his wife

Yes not everyone makes it that far. And he was in good health until he got Alzheimer's.

[Vanessa]

Sure all buildings
could have had Rat Catching boxes.

She was Growing Plants
great, but Rats run a poo every place

But she
never thought of Rats poo
all over her places.


This is why you must get a Rat Box
to keep all humans safe
Yes maybe she caught it gardening. Her hands in close contact with rat droppings

[arista]

Yes maybe she caught it gardening. Her hands in close contact with rat droppings


Yes all Preventable

Boxes placed outside.
most people buy them

[Gusto Brunt]

He made it to 95
because of his Heathly Food from his wife

True. But still an ungracious way to go. :( For both of them, and the dog.

[arista]

True. But still an ungracious way to go. :( For both of them, and the dog.


https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/03/08/13/95979907-0-image-a-57_1741440660930.jpg

[arista]

[Hackman's children not named in actor's $80m will]

[The will of legendary actor Gene Hackman
has been released, but uncertainty lingers over
his $80m (£62m) fortune.

The two-time Academy Award winner left
his entire estate to his wife of 30 years,
Betsy Arakawa. But Arakawa, 65, was found dead
alongside her husband in their
New Mexico home last month.

Legal experts have now said that,
because authorities say Arakawa died seven days
before her husband, Hackman's children could
now potentially inherit his fortune,
despite not being named in the will.

His three children with his late ex-wife,
Faye Maltese - Christopher, 65, Elizabeth, 62,
and Leslie, 58 - have not commented publicly
on the matter.]



https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7985ld2lrro

[Quantum Boy]

It's a really sad way for things to have ended and sadly also not uncommon when there's a situation with a carer/caree and no other family or outside help... If something happens to the carer like happened here, the person relying on care is helpless.

There should always be someone else checking in daily in these situations. They don't need to be involved in care... Just a daily phone call, even, and a key to go by and check if no one answers the call.

[Quantum Boy]

As it seems his wife died first and if all that was in the will was that everything should go to her with no secondary option then I imagine his kids will get the estate split evenly as legal next of kin, as that's what would happen if there was no will. Even if there was a "do not give to them" clause, it would likely be contested, but tbh most likely they would have been assuming that his wife would outlive him and won't have included anythibg like that, just that it should all go to her.

[Ammi]

…the police were incorrect in stating which of the dogs had died and now apparently the timeline of Betsy Arakawa’s death has been changed because it’s emerged that she ‘made a phone call after she died’….she was recorded as having died on February 11 but made a phone call to a health/medical centre on the morning of 12 February…during the call, although she was seeking medical advice…it’s said that she showed no indication of distress or panic etc…no struggling to breathe…it all seems a little ‘bungled’ and not thorough in investigation…