Authorities have confirmed that legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning.
However, their deaths remain under investigation as law enforcement officials continue to piece together what happened inside their New Mexico home.
Pacemaker Data Suggests Hackman Died Nine Days Before Discovery
During a news conference on Friday, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza provided new details on the timeline of Hackman’s death.
According to data retrieved from the actor’s pacemaker, the last recorded event occurred on February 17—nine days before authorities discovered his body.
When asked if this date was likely the day Hackman passed away, Mendoza responded, “That is a very good assumption.”
He further explained that after consulting with the medical examiner, officials believe the pacemaker’s inactivity is a strong indicator that February 17 was Hackman’s final day.
Despite this revelation, the official cause and manner of death for both Hackman and Arakawa have yet to be determined. Investigators are still gathering evidence to rule out any possible foul play.
Authorities Work to Establish a Timeline
Sheriff Mendoza outlined the ongoing efforts to establish a timeline of events leading up to the couple’s deaths.
“Detectives will analyze cellphone data, phone calls, text messages, events, and photos to try to piece together what happened,” Mendoza said.
Unlike traditional investigations where detectives trace events leading up to a person’s death, Mendoza noted that this case is being handled in reverse, with authorities attempting to work backward from the day Hackman and Arakawa were discovered.
Deaths Initially Labeled as ‘Suspicious’
The investigation into Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths has raised several unanswered questions. When their bodies were found inside their Santa Fe Summit home on February 26, officials noted signs of “mummification,” suggesting that the couple had been deceased for an extended period before being discovered.
Additionally, investigators found a knocked-over space heater and an open pill bottle at the scene. These findings initially led authorities to suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. However, toxicology tests have since ruled that out, forcing investigators to explore other potential causes of death.
The sheriff’s department has not officially ruled out foul play, and they continue to examine all possibilities.
Final Public Appearance and Private Life in New Mexico
Before their tragic deaths, Hackman and Arakawa were known for living a quiet, private life in New Mexico. The couple was last photographed in public on March 28, 2024, when they were seen dining at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Santa Fe.
Hackman, who won two Academy Awards for The French Connection and Unforgiven, retired from Hollywood in 2004 and spent his later years away from the spotlight. Arakawa, a talented classical pianist, had been by his side since their marriage in 1991.
The couple’s deaths have left fans and Hollywood in shock, with many awaiting further updates from the investigation.
What’s Next in the Investigation?
With carbon monoxide poisoning ruled out, authorities are focusing on medical records, digital evidence, and forensic reports to determine what led to the deaths of Hackman and his wife. Investigators will continue to analyze their phones and other personal records to reconstruct the events leading up to February 17.
For now, the mystery surrounding the beloved actor’s passing remains, and law enforcement officials emphasize that they are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of answers.
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