The world was left in shock when the legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home under what authorities have described as “suspicious” circumstances. While the case remains under investigation, forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden has offered insights into the potential causes behind their tragic deaths.

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Timeline of Events

📅 February 17, 2025 – Gene Hackman’s pacemaker records its last event, suggesting a possible cardiac arrest.

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📅 February 26, 2025 – A maintenance worker discovers the bodies of Hackman and Arakawa, along with their deceased dog, inside their Santa Fe home. Authorities are called to the scene.

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📅 February 27, 2025 – Preliminary autopsy results reveal no signs of foul play or carbon monoxide poisoning. Hackman is believed to have died about nine days earlier.

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📅 March 1, 2025 – Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden shares his theory on the possible causes of death, highlighting Hackman’s severe heart disease and Arakawa’s likely distress-induced collapse.

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📌 Ongoing Investigation – Authorities await toxicology reports, which could take up to three months.

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Discovery and Initial Findings

On February 26, 2025, authorities discovered the bodies of Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, along with their deceased German Shepherd, inside their New Mexico estate. According to the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department, there were no immediate signs of foul play or external trauma, but the unusual nature of their passing prompted a criminal investigation.

After preliminary autopsies, Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that neither Hackman nor his wife had carbon monoxide poisoning, and evidence suggested the actor had been deceased for approximately nine days before they were found. The absence of external injuries only deepened the mystery.

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Hackman’s Pacemaker: A Crucial Clue

Dr. Michael Baden pointed to Hackman’s pacemaker as a key piece of evidence. Records indicated that the device last recorded an event on February 17, which Baden believes was a fatal cardiac arrest. The Oscar-winning actor suffered from severe coronary artery disease and high blood pressure, conditions that could have led to a sudden collapse.

Investigators found Hackman’s body in a mudroom, with a walking cane and sunglasses nearby—suggesting he may have fallen suddenly. According to Baden, “The most common cause of death in this country is severe heart disease. If he suffered a cardiac event, he may have collapsed and died instantly.”

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Theories on Arakawa’s Death

While Hackman’s cause of death appears to be cardiac-related, questions remain regarding Arakawa. Her body was discovered on the floor of a bathroom with a space heater near her head and an open prescription bottle on the counter, with pills scattered nearby.

Dr. Baden theorized that Arakawa may have been trying to aid her husband when she suffered a medical emergency of her own. “She may have struck her head on the way down and had some internal injury to the brain that doesn’t show up externally,” he explained. Alternatively, she could have experienced a fatal cardiac event triggered by the distress of the situation.

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The Role of the Deceased Dog

The presence of a deceased German Shepherd in a closet near Arakawa added another layer to the puzzle. Authorities initially considered carbon monoxide poisoning, but given the absence of toxic gases, Baden believes the dog may have perished from dehydration while trapped in a confined space. Two other dogs on the property were found alive.

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The Absence of an Emergency Call

One of the biggest questions surrounding the case is why no emergency call was made following Hackman’s apparent cardiac arrest on February 17. Baden suggested that Arakawa may have been the only person able to call for help and, in her distress, was unable to do so before succumbing herself.

Sheriff Mendoza acknowledged that determining the exact sequence of events remains difficult. “It’s going to be pretty close, but it’s unclear whether one passed before the other or if they died simultaneously,” he said in a statement.

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Toxicology Reports and Ongoing Investigation

Toxicology tests have been ordered to provide further insight into the couple’s deaths, but results could take up to three months. Sheriff Mendoza remains confident that foul play is unlikely, though the investigation remains open. “We’re not ruling anything out, but based on current evidence, we do not suspect criminal activity,” he said.

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Remembering Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa

Gene Hackman was a revered figure in Hollywood, known for his powerful performances in films like The French Connection, Unforgiven, and The Royal Tenenbaums. He had largely retreated from public life in recent years, living a quiet existence with his wife in Santa Fe. The couple, who had been together for over three decades, was last seen publicly in March 2024.

While the circumstances surrounding their passing remain under review, Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths mark the end of an era for the legendary actor’s fans and loved ones. Their story, while tragic, also serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring bond between two soulmates.

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For further details on this developing story, visit the original article: Gene Hackman, Dog, and Wife Found Dead in Santa Fe Home

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