Hollywood actor Gene Hackman died in Santa Fe, New Mexico home of unknown causes alongside his wife, pianist Betsy Arakawa, and their dog. An investigation is underway. No credible reports have confirmed the reason behind Gene Hackman and his wife’s death, Betsy Arakawa. Amid the ongoing investigation, the 911 audio has been released along with the first statement by the police.
DETAILS OF 911 CALL
In an audio call by a distressed worker, he is heard pleading with a dispatcher for first responders to be sent to the couple’s Santa Fe home. “I found two or one deceased person[s] inside a house. Please send somebody really quick.” The unidentified caller, adds “[It’s] a female and a male probably. I don’t know, sir. Just send somebody up here really quick.”
NEW: Actor Gene Hackman’s German shepherd was found deceased in a bathroom closet about 15 feet from his wife’s “mummified” body, according to new reports. The 9/11 audio has also been released.
According to the New York Times, pills were found scattered around near the body… pic.twitter.com/PUpMFA5gRM — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 27, 2025
The caller then added that he was not at home with them so he did not know whether they were “awake” or “breathing.”
POLICE ISSUES STATEMENT
Police investigating the mysterious deaths of Heckman and his wife Arakawa said there were no apparent signs of foul play. A Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office statement said, “In the early hours of Thursday, February 27, 2025, Hackman and Arakawa were transported to the Office of the Medical Investigator. “An autopsy was performed. Initial findings noted no external trauma to either individual. Carbon monoxide and toxicology tests were requested for both individuals.”
Police added, “The manner and cause of death have not been determined. The official results of the autopsy and toxicology reports are pending. This remains an open investigation.” The manner and cause of death have not been determined.
Usually, the autopsy reports take approximately four to six weeks.
A search warrant revealed that New Mexico Gas Company inspected the gas lines in and around the home after the bodies were discovered. While no issues were detected, a detective noted that individuals exposed to gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning may not always show visible symptoms.
The warrant further added that the circumstances of their deaths were “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation”. This was because the distressed worker who called emergency services found the front door of the property open.
MUMMIFIED BODIES AND SCATTERED PILLS
According to the affidavit, the front door of the couple’s house was found open and unsecured. However, there were no immediate indications of forced entry. Arakawa’s body was discovered in a bathroom with an open pill bottle and scattered medication nearby. Police also noted the presence of a space heater near her head, leading a deputy to suggest in the search warrant that it may have toppled if she collapsed suddenly.
As per warrant details obtained by Variety, Arakawa’s body showed clear signs of decomposition, including facial bloating and mummification of her hands and feet.
Hackman was found dead along with his wife, Betsy, and a dog, at their New Mexico house on Wednesday afternoon at 1:45 p.m. As reported by the Santa Fe New Mexican website, the police didn’t immediately suspect foul play in the case while the investigation continues.
