Initial Findings
Investigations confirmed a gas leak at Gene Hackman’s mansion in Santa Fe, where he, his wife—Betsy Arakawa, and their family dog were found dead.
However the New Mexico Gas Company concluded that the amount of gas that leaked was not enough to be fatal.
Suspicions About the Cause of Death
The family initially suspected that Hackman (95) and Arakawa (65) died due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, blamed “toxic fumes” for the tragedy.
However, according to a report from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, the New Mexico Gas Company’s investigation found no significant gas leaks. They only noted five code violations related to gas appliances, including a minor gas leak (0.33% gas in the air – not a lethal amount) at one of the stove burners.
Authorities concluded that these issues were not factors in the deaths of Hackman, Arakawa, and their dog. Nevertheless, the findings were sent to the Office of the Medical Investigator for further review.
Mystery Surrounding Gene Hackman’s Death
The autopsy results raised more questions than answers. Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies were found in a “mummified” state in separate rooms of their Santa Fe mansion.
- Arakawa’s body was decomposed, with facial bloating and mummified hands and feet.
- Hackman was discovered fully clothed in a room near the kitchen, with his cane beside him. Both exhibited similar decomposition signs.
- One of their three dogs, a German Shepherd, was also found dead inside a closet, while the other two survived.
Due to the condition of the bodies, Hackman and Arakawa’s identities were confirmed nearly 12 hours after being found. Officials stated they may have been deceased for up to two weeks before discovery.
Authorities Rule Out Foul Play
The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office ruled out homicide, finding no signs of forced entry or a suicide note. However, pills were found scattered in the bathroom and near Arakawa’s body.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza admitted that the case remains a mystery, with all possibilities—including double homicide, suicide, accidental death, or natural causes—still under investigation.
It may take several weeks before any concrete answers emerge.