Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa tested negative for carbon monoxide in the initial results of the toxicology report, leading officials to rule out the gas as a cause of Hackman and Arakawa’s death, Sheriff Adan Mendoza said in a press conference on Friday.
Mendoza said that while the investigation into the cause of Hackman’s death is active and ongoing, officials found that the last day Hackman’s pacemaker registered was on February 17, 10 days before he was discovered deceased. The Sheriff added that it was a “very good assumption” that February 17 was likely the last day of Hackman’s life.
No cause of death has been determined just yet, and Mendoza reiterated that there was no sign of foul play at this time. Autopsy and toxicology results are still pending. Mendoza also said there was no sign of trauma on the bodies to suggest they would’ve fallen or injured themselves.
Hackman, 95, and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, 63, were found in their home in Santa Fe. Police were dispatched on 1:45 p.m. MT on February 26. A German Shepherd dog was also found deceased, but two other dogs who appeared healthy both were found on the property. Because of the “unusual circumstances,” a check was done for carbon monoxide and other foreign substances, but it was deemed safe and a search warrant was issued.
A search warrant that was released ahead of Friday’s press conference revealed that various items was found on the premises, including two cell phones, two bottles of medication, some Tylenol, health records, and a 2025 planner.
The contents of the planner will be revealed as part of the investigation. It’s unclear when the last known contact was made with either Hackman or Arakawa, but investigators are building a timeline of events. Mendoza added there was no known surveillance that was obtained from Hackman’s home.
Hackman has been retired from acting since 2004, rarely making public appearances since then. But the actor known for “The French Connection,” “Superman,” “Unforgiven,” “The Royal Tenenbaums,” and so many more films is a two time Oscar winner and considered one of the great American actors ever. Countless luminaries across Hollywood including Clint Eastwood, Francis Ford Coppola, Josh Brolin, and many more have paid tribute to the late actor.
