The recent deaths of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, have left fans and investigators searching for answers. The couple was discovered deceased in their Santa Fe home on February 26, alongside one of their dogs, prompting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding their passing.
Discovery and Initial Investigation
Longtime contractor Jesse Kesler, who had worked with the couple for 16 years, became concerned after not hearing from them for two weeks. Unable to reach their family members, Kesler initiated a wellness check but ultimately decided to visit the couple’s residence himself. Upon arrival, he found Hackman and Arakawa deceased, leading him to contact the authorities. Hackman’s daughter, Leslie, later stated she was never contacted for a wellness check, and the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed they were not notified until the bodies were discovered.
Preliminary autopsy results revealed that Hackman died from hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a contributing factor. Arakawa’s cause of death was identified as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but serious viral infection transmitted by rodents. Additionally, one of their dogs was found to have died from starvation and dehydration, indicating the couple had been deceased for an extended period before their discovery.
Conflicting Timelines and New Evidence
The timeline of the couple’s deaths has been called into question due to new claims from a Santa Fe doctor. The physician alleges that Arakawa contacted his clinic on February 12, suggesting she was alive at that time. This information contradicts earlier reports indicating the couple may have died around February 17, based on the date Hackman’s pacemaker ceased functioning. These discrepancies have prompted investigators to re-examine the events leading up to their deaths.
Estate and Legal Implications
The order of the couple’s deaths carries significant implications for the distribution of their estate. According to trust attorney David A. Esquibias, the couple’s “pour-over wills” stipulate that their assets transfer to the Gene Hackman Living Trust. If Arakawa died first, her assets would have moved into the trust, subsequently passing to Hackman upon her death. The final beneficiaries of the trust remain undisclosed, and it is unclear whether Hackman’s three adult children from a previous marriage are included. His son, Christopher Hackman, has reportedly sought legal representation, and Julia L. Peters has been appointed to manage the estates.
Ruling Out Environmental Factors
In the initial stages of the investigation, authorities considered the possibility of environmental factors contributing to the couple’s deaths. The New Mexico Gas Company conducted an extensive examination of the property for gas leaks and carbon monoxide. While a minor leak was detected at one of the stovetop burners, it was deemed insignificant and unlikely to have caused their deaths. No significant findings were reported, effectively ruling out gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning as contributing factors.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths. Investigators are reviewing the couple’s phones, monthly planners, and medical records, and are reaching out to family members, neighbors, and workers from their gated community to piece together a comprehensive timeline. The couple was known to be private, making the investigation more challenging. Authorities have noted that the home did not have surveillance cameras, limiting available evidence.
The deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa have left a void in the Santa Fe community, where they were known for their privacy and love for German shepherds. As investigations continue, fans and loved ones await answers to the questions surrounding their untimely passing.
Nica is a seasoned entertainment journalist who loves covering celebrities, anime, K-pop, K-drama, television, and movies. With years of experience in digital media, she has built a reputation for delivering engaging and insightful coverage of the latest trends in the entertainment industry.
Previously, she served as a Managing Editor at International Business Times UK and Latin Times, leading editorial teams and shaping content strategies. Before that, she was a Senior Reporter at International Business Times US and The Inquisitr, covering high-profile celebrity news, film and TV updates, and in-depth features on global pop culture phenomena.
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