Six unanswered questions in Gene Hackman death after star, wife and dog found dead
The unexpected deaths of Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy, and their dog have left investigators with more questions than answers. Here are the six key mysteries still unsolved.
The tragic deaths of Hollywood icon Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and one of their three dogs have left both police and family members desperately seeking answers.
The couple, married for 34 years, were discovered inside their Santa Fe mansion under what investigators have described as “suspicious” circumstances.
Hackman’s wife was found mummified and bloated, alongside their dog, in their multimillion-dollar New Mexico home, when maintenance workers, who hadn’t seen the couple in about two weeks, made the grim discovery, according to an affidavit.
As tributes flood in for the two-time Oscar winner and his wife, questions have emerged about the bizarre circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Here are six key mysteries that remain unresolved:
1: MYSTERY PILL BOTTLES
According to a search warrant obtained by TMZ, authorities discovered Betsy Arakawa in the bathroom with an open orange bottle of pills scattered nearby.
Her body was also found near a space heater that appeared to have been moved.
The type of medication has not been revealed, and police have not confirmed whether it contributed to her death. It remains unclear if the pills were linked to an overdose or another medical issue.
2: BODIES FOUND IN SEPARATE ROOMS
Hackman and Arakawa were found in separate areas of the house, with no immediate explanation for why they weren’t together. Hackman was discovered fully clothed in a wet room off the kitchen, while Betsy was found in a bathroom.
Considering their long marriage, their separation in death raises even more questions.
3: ONE DOG DEAD, TWO ALIVE
One of the couple’s three dogs, a German Shepherd, was found dead, while the other two — one inside the house and one outside — were alive and in good health.
However, conflicting reports have emerged regarding where the dead dog was found.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza of the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office told TMZ it was in a kennel, while a detective’s affidavit indicated it was found in a bathroom closet, 10 to 15 feet from Betsy’s body.
The cause of the dog’s death remains unknown, adding further confusion to the case.
4: NO SUICIDE NOTE, NO FOUL PLAY
Sheriff Mendoza said that investigators found no suicide note, or any immediate evidence of foul play.
Although police have indicated there is no clear evidence of foul play, they have not ruled out any possibilities, including double homicide, suicide, accidental death, or natural causes.
In the affidavit seeking the search warrant, Detective Roy Arndt wrote that he believed that “the circumstances surrounding the death of the two deceased individuals to be suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.”
5: GAS FEARS, BUT NO DETECTED LEAK
While Hackman’s daughter believes a gas leak could have been the cause, initial tests by both the fire department and the New Mexico gas company found no evidence of a leak.
Authorities have obtained a search warrant to conduct a more thorough investigation of the property, and the New Mexico gas company has been called in to assess any potential leaks.
6: HACKMAN’S FINAL MOMENTS
Hackman was found fully clothed on the floor of a wet room near the kitchen, with his sunglasses beside him.
He was found in grey sweatpants, a blue long-sleeve T-shirt, brown slippers and with a cane.
According to TMZ, authorities believe he may have suddenly collapsed, but there are no clear signs of what caused it.
Without a confirmed cause of death, it remains uncertain whether he suffered a medical emergency, fell, or was affected by external factors.
INVESTIGATIONS ONGOING
The case is still under investigation, with authorities awaiting search warrants to conduct a more thorough examination of the property.
Sheriff Mendoza told TMZ that police will be looking for any potential criminal evidence.
Meanwhile, Chris Ramirez, spokesperson for the New Mexico Medical Investigator’s Office, told The Sun that confirmation from the medical examiner could take anywhere from four to six weeks.
Until an official cause of death is determined, the circumstances surrounding Gene Hackman’s final moments remain unclear.
Originally published as Six unanswered questions in Gene Hackman death after star, wife and dog found dead