SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – Officials are expected to provide an update on the investigation into the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa in Santa Fe Friday.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza and officials from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator and the New Mexico Department of Health will speak at a joint news conference at the sheriff`s office at 2 p.m. The news conference will be live-streamed in this article.
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Hackman, Arakawa, and their dog were found dead inside their home on Old Sunset Trail in Santa Fe on Feb. 26. At this time, the cause of death for Hackman and Arakawa remains unknown.
Hackman, 95, was found on the floor of the home’s mudroom alongside a walking cane and sunglasses. Arakawa, 65, was found on the bathroom floor near a space heater. Deputies also found an open prescription bottle with pills scattered on a nearby countertop.
During a news conference on Feb. 28, Sheriff Mendoza said that both Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning and there were no signs of trauma to the bodies. Mendoza also said Hackman’s pacemaker last registered an event on February 17, 2025.
While carrying out a search warrant at the couple’s home, investigators seized Tylenol, thyroid medication, and a medication to treat high blood pressure. Other items removed included health records, a 2025 monthly planner, and two cell phones.
New Mexico Gas Company recently released the results from its investigation at the home and said there were “no significant findings.” Officials said they found a “minuscule leak” of 0.33% gas in the air, which is not a lethal amount, according to a news release sheriff’s office.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.