Actor Gene Hackman likely died on February 17, reveals investigation
What's the story
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman (95), his wife Betsy Arakawa (64), and their pet dog were found dead at their Santa Fe home on February 27.
The couple and their pet were found in different rooms, looking like they had been "dead for some time."
Preliminary medical findings showed no external trauma on the bodies.
On Friday (local time), Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office Sheriff Adan Mendoza revealed Hackman's pacemaker had stopped working 10 days before his body was discovered.
Investigation update
Hackman's pacemaker data suggested February 17 as day of death
During the press conference, Sheriff Mendoza revealed insights from Dr. Heather Jarrell, New Mexico's Chief Medical Investigator.
An initial examination of Hackman's pacemaker showed that its last recorded event was on February 17, 2025.
When asked if this could be the day of Hackman's death, Mendoza answered that it was a "very good assumption that that was his last day of life."
Autopsy findings
Carbon monoxide poisoning ruled out in Hackman-Arakawa deaths
Sheriff Mendoza also confirmed that both Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for carbon monoxide, ruling out earlier speculations of carbon monoxide poisoning as a cause of death.
The bodies were taken to the Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI) on February 27, where autopsies were conducted.
Initial findings noted no external trauma to either individual.
Despite initial statements suggesting no foul play, a search warrant affidavit has since deemed their deaths "suspicious" enough to warrant further investigation.
Family response
Hackman's family and career: A brief overview
Hackman's daughter, Elizabeth Jean, had earlier proposed carbon monoxide poisoning as a possible cause of their deaths.
Hackman was one of Hollywood's most beloved stars, known for his roles in classic films like The French Connection and The Conversation.
He won Oscars for The French Connection and Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven before retiring from the spotlight post-The Royal Tenenbaums in 2001.