Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26, 2025, alongside one of their dogs. Authorities ruled out foul play but have not determined an exact cause.
Gene Hackman’s Death: Pathologist Shares One Possible Explanation After Autopsy
Hackman’s pacemaker stopped on February 17, suggesting he had been deceased for nine days. Arakawa was found in the bathroom near medication bottles, possibly having suffered a fatal fall or cardiac event while aiding her husband.
Two other dogs survived. Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden suspects cardiac arrest for Hackman and a fatal accident for Arakawa. Fans mourn the two-time Oscar winner, known for The French Connection and Unforgiven, as investigators seek answers to the mystery surrounding their deaths.