THE shocking deaths of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and one of their three dogs have left police and family members searching for answers.
The couple, married for 34 years, were found inside their Santa Fe mansion under circumstances that investigators have called “suspicious.”
Authorities revealed that their bodies may have been inside the home for weeks before being discovered inside their $3.8million home.
As tributes pour in for the two-time Oscar winner and his wife, questions continue to mount over the bizarre circumstances of their deaths.
Here are six key mysteries that remain unanswered:
1 – Mystery pill bottles
Authorities found Betsy Arakawa in the bathroom with an open bottle of pills scattered nearby, according to a search warrant obtained by TMZ.
Her body was also found near a space heater that had apparently been moved.
The type of medication has not been disclosed, and police have not confirmed whether it played a role in her death.
It remains unclear if the pills were related to an overdose or another medical issue.
2 – Bodies in separate rooms
Gene and Betsy were discovered in different parts of the house, with no immediate explanation for why they weren’t together.
Hackman was found fully clothed in a wet room off the kitchen, while Betsy was in a bathroom.
Given their long marriage, the separation in death raises further questions.
Gene Hackman admitted HATING seeing himself ‘age’ before tragic death
3 – One dog dead, two alive
One of the couple’s three dogs, a German Shepherd, was found dead while two others — one inside the house and one outside — were alive and in good health.
However, conflicting details have emerged about where the dead dog was found.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza of the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office told TMZ it was in a kennel, while a detective’s affidavit stated it was discovered in a closet of the bathroom, 10 to 15 feet from Betsy’s body.
The cause of the dog’s death remains unknown, adding another layer of confusion.
4 – No suicide note, no foul play
Sheriff Mendoza said that investigators found no suicide note, yet also saw no immediate evidence of foul play.
While police have said there is no immediate evidence of foul play, they have not ruled out any possibilities, including double homicide, suicide, accidental death, or natural causes, according to TMZ.
The fire department reported no signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, yet Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, told TMZ that the family fears toxic fumes may have played a role.
It comes as…
5 – Gas fears vs. no detected leak
While Hackman’s daughter believes a gas leak may have been to blame, initial tests by both the fire department and the New Mexico gas company found no evidence of a leak, according to TMZ.
Authorities have applied for a search warrant to conduct a deeper investigation of the property, and the New Mexico gas company has been brought in to assess potential leaks.
6 – Gene’s final moments
Gene Hackman was found fully clothed on the floor of a wet room near the kitchen, with his sunglasses next to him.
According to TMZ, authorities believe he may have suddenly collapsed, but there are no clear indications of what caused it.
Without a confirmed cause of death, it remains uncertain whether he suffered a medical emergency, fell, or was affected by external factors.
Investigation ongoing
The case remains under investigation, with authorities waiting for search warrants to examine the property more thoroughly.
Sheriff Mendoza told TMZ that police will be looking for any potential criminal evidence.
Meanwhile, Chris Ramirez, spokesperson for the New Mexico medical investigator’s office, told The Sun confirmation from the medical examiner’s office could still take anywhere between four to six weeks.
Until an official cause of death is determined, the circumstances surrounding Gene Hackman’s final moments remain a mystery.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
Gene Hackman’s last public appearance
Gene Hackman’s last public appearance came when he was seen leaving a New Mexico restaurant.
Hackman was spotted holding onto Betsy’s arm while he used a cane on March 28, 2024, during a rare public appearance.
The couple were on a dinner date in Santa Fe, New Mexico, heading into Pappadeaux’s restaurant.
The Hollywood legend had celebrated his 94th birthday just weeks before these pictures were taken.
Earlier in the day, the couple were also seen visiting a local Speedway store, where Gene bought a cup of coffee and an apple pie.
