Gene Hackman’s death: No carbon monoxide poisoning, autopsy finds

SANTA FE, N.M. Authorities have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of death for Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who were found deceased in their Santa Fe home earlier this week, according to Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza.

At a press conference Friday, Mendoza stated that preliminary autopsy results did not determine a cause of death but confirmed that neither Hackman, 95, nor Arakawa, 65, had traces of carbon monoxide in their systems.

No Signs of Foul Play, But Questions Remain

The couple’s bodies were discovered on Wednesday, with investigators estimating their deaths had occurred several days earlier. Hackman was found in the entryway of the home, while Arakawa was discovered on her side in a bathroom, near a space heater that authorities believe was pulled down when she collapsed.

A partially open prescription bottle and scattered pills were found on a nearby countertop. Sheriff Mendoza confirmed that toxicology reports are pending, and it remains unclear whether any medications played a role in their deaths.

Authorities did not detect any gas leaks in or around the home, further eliminating carbon monoxide as a possible factor.

Hackman’s Pacemaker Stopped Days Before Discovery

One key finding came from an examination of Hackman’s pacemaker, which stopped functioning on February 17—suggesting the actor may have died nine days before his body was found. However, forensic experts caution that pacemaker failure does not always pinpoint the exact moment of death.

Dr. Philip Keen, a retired chief medical examiner in Arizona, explained:

“If your heart required a pacemaker, there would certainly be an interruption at that point—and it might be the hallmark of when the death occurred. But it’s not necessarily the cause, as some people use pacemakers to augment heart function rather than replace it.”

Investigation Continues Amid Privacy Challenges

Investigators are now reviewing the couple’s phones, monthly planners, and medical records, while also speaking with family, neighbors, and workers from their gated community.

However, Mendoza noted that Hackman and Arakawa were known to be “a very private family”, making it difficult to establish a clear timeline of their final days. Authorities also confirmed that the home lacked surveillance cameras.

A maintenance worker was the first to alert authorities after arriving for routine work at the house but was unable to gain entry. He then called a security officer, who looked through a window and saw two unmoving figures inside.

In the 911 call, the security worker stated:

“I have no idea. I am not inside the house. It’s closed. It’s locked. I can’t go in. But I can see she’s lying down on the floor from the window.”

Both the maintenance worker and security officer reported that they had not seen the couple in at least two weeks.

A Legacy in Film and New Mexico

Hackman, a five-time Academy Award nominee, was one of the most celebrated actors of his generation. He won Best Actor for The French Connection (1972) and Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven (1992). His performance in Hoosiers remains one of his most beloved roles.

In the mid-1980s, he met Arakawa, a classically trained pianist, at a California gym. The couple later moved to Santa Fe, where Hackman became an active part of the community, serving on the board of trustees for the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum from 1997 to 2004.

Despite his Hollywood success, Hackman lived a quiet life in New Mexico, avoiding public appearances outside of major awards ceremonies.

Hackman is survived by three children from his previous marriage. He and Arakawa had no children together but were known for their love of German shepherds.

The investigation into their deaths remains ongoing as authorities await toxicology results.