Gene Hackman and Wife Tested Negative for Carbon Monoxide, Now 'Ruled Out' as Cause of Death: Sheriff

Mar. 15, 2025

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman.Photo:Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Gene Hackmanand his wifeBetsy Arakawaboth tested negative for carbon monoxide after their deaths, Adan Mendoza, the sheriff of Santa Fe County in New Mexico, said at a press conference on Friday, Feb. 28.

Mendoza said that authorities are still awaiting autopsy and toxicology results, but said, “We’ve ruled out carbon monoxide” as the cause of the couple’s deaths.

Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 64, were found dead along with their dog in their New Mexico home on Wednesday, Feb. 26. They were found in different parts of the home.

Arakawa’s body was in the bathroom near an open bottle of pills next to a space heater, the warrant says. Her body showed signs of “mummificationin her hands and feet,” and it’s possible both could have been dead for days.

There was no sign of foul play, authorities said, but nothing has been ruled out. At Friday’s press conference, Mendoza reiterated that authorities currently do not suspect foul play.

At the press conference, Mendoza said that based on Hackman’s pacemaker, authorities believe his last day alive was Feb. 17 — nine days before his body was found.

Hackman was a five-time Oscar nominee and won twice forThe French ConnectionandUnforgiven,Arakawa was a classical pianist. They couple had been married since 1991.

source: people.com