New details emerge in the tragic deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife

Hollywood was left in shock after legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26. Their dog, Zinna, also perished, while two other pets survived. Now, new details offer insight into the heartbreaking circumstances of their final moments.

Authorities responding to the scene at the couple’s sprawling New Mexico estate found Arakawa in a bathroom near the front entrance. According to a search warrant application, a space heater lay close to her head, and an open bottle of prescription pills was on the counter.

Hackman was found in a separate part of the house, in what investigators believe was a mudroom. A cane and sunglasses lay on the floor nearby, suggesting he may have collapsed suddenly. The condition of the bodies indicated they had been deceased for some time.

Adding another tragic element to the case, Zinna, their 12-year-old Australian Kelpie, was found dead in a kennel inside the bathroom closet—just a few feet away from Arakawa.

A devoted companion

Joey Padilla, owner of Santa Fe Tails pet care, described Zinna’s special bond with Arakawa. “Zinna was always attached to Betsy at the hip, and it was a beautiful relationship,” he said.

He also reflected on how the dog thrived under Arakawa’s care. “Zinna went from being a returned shelter dog to this incredible companion under Betsy’s hand,” Padilla added.

The couple’s other two dogs, German Shepherds named Bear and Nikita, survived and are now in good care.

What happened in their final moments?

Investigators are still piecing together how Hackman and Arakawa died. Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that foul play and carbon monoxide poisoning have been ruled out. However, Hackman’s pacemaker provided a critical clue—it recorded its last heartbeat on February 17, suggesting he passed away over a week before their bodies were found.

Forensic expert Dr. Michael Baden believes Hackman may have suffered a fatal heart attack, leading Arakawa to rush to the bathroom for his medication. In her distress, she may have slipped, hitting her head on the floor or the space heater.

“She may have struck her head on the way down and had some internal injury to the brain that doesn’t show up on the outside or bleeding in the inside of the brain,” Baden explained.

Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya supported the theory that the couple likely died within a short timeframe, given their proximity on the estate. “Both bodies are in a similar manner, that it could be a similar timeframe,” Moya stated.

Family awaits answers

While speculation continues, Hackman’s family remains focused on waiting for official reports.

“We’re waiting on toxicology. That will tell us everything,” the actor’s nephew, Tim Hackman, told Us Weekly. “It’s hard to theorize. There are lots of theories out there and I don’t want to speculate. It’s easy to speculate negative theories.”

“The family wants to keep it positive for now, and when we know the truth, we will deal with it.”

A lasting legacy

As the world mourns the loss of a Hollywood icon, Hackman’s legendary career continues to be celebrated. Best known for films like The French Connection and Unforgiven, he leaves behind a cinematic legacy that will live on for generations.

A press conference scheduled for March 7 is expected to provide more answers. Until then, fans and loved ones can only reflect on his remarkable life—and the tragic final chapter that took him and his beloved wife too soon.