Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26, 2025, along with one of their dogs. Authorities ruled out foul play, carbon monoxide poisoning, and blunt force trauma. Hackman’s pacemaker recorded its last heartbeat on February 17, suggesting a fatal heart attack.

Forensic expert Dr. Michael Baden believes Arakawa was likely trying to help Hackman when she slipped, possibly hitting her head or triggering a fatal heart rhythm. Pills found near her body indicate she was attempting to get medication. The deceased dog, trapped in a kennel, likely died from dehydration.

Baden suggests the tragic deaths were a heartbreaking accident.