Investigators Make Major Conclusion In Gene Hackman ‘Suspicious’ Death

As authorities continue to investigate the “suspicious” death of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, it sounds like investigators have been able to rule out at least one potential cause of death.

On Feb. 26, the couple was found dead in their Santa Fe home alongside one of their dogs in what detectives have called “suspicious” circumstances. Since then, investigators have been working to determine how the couple died, and they’ve gotten a little bit closer to finding that answer.

Given the nature of their deaths, authorities investigated whether or not a carbon monoxide leak could have been the cause. This suspicion was heightened after it was revealed that the gas company had issued five “red tags” to the residence. However, it does not seem like those “red tags” had anything to do with the deaths.

According to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, the New Mexico Gas Co. did issue five “red tags” to the residence: one for a minuscule, nonlethal leak at one of the stove burners and four for code enforcement violations not involving leaks or carbon monoxide.

The sheriff’s office has concluded that these “red tags” were not related to the death of Hackman or Arakawa.

“Those results are not believed to be a factor in the deaths of Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa or their dog though the information was relayed to the Office of the Medical Investigator for consideration,” the sheriff’s office said via NBC News.

Additionally, authorities have confirmed that both Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for carbon monoxide and that no external trauma was seen on either of them.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza has also confirmed that the last recorded activity on Hackman’s pacemaker occurred on Feb. 17, leading authorities to believe that was his last day alive.

As the investigation continues, authorities have obtained several pieces of evidence, recovering two cellphones, an orange prescription bottle and a 2025 planner while inspecting the residence.

Medical investigators are still working to determine the cause of deaths in the “suspicious” case, but it’s worth noting that Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza has said he’s “confident there’s no foul play” involved.