Five mysteries in Gene Hackman and wife Betsy’s autopsy as shock death report leaves more questions than answers

THE tragic deaths of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa still remain shrouded in mystery.

Five key mysteries are still plaguing investigations after early autopsy reports on the couple appear to have left more questions than answers.

Gene, 95, Betsy, 65, and one of their dogs were all found dead on Wednesday afternoon in a shock triple tragedy.

The pair’s bodies were found in separate rooms inside their $3.8million Santa Fe home – opening up inquires over how they both died.

The two-time Oscar winner was discovered fully clothed in a wet room off the kitchen with his cane laid out next to him, according to a search warrant.

Betsy was later discovered on the bathroom floor near to a space heater.

A prescription bottle of pills was located near to the 65-year-old classical pianist, cops announced.

Many tablets were also scattered across the floor, they added.

Her body was said to have been found in a state of partial “mummification”.

It reportedly took an agonising 12 hours to formally identify the pair due to officials saying they may have been left undiscovered for up to two weeks.

Investigators made a further grim discovery after locating the body of one of the couple’s German shepherds inside a bathroom closet just 10ft away from Betsy.

Investigations into the deaths are ongoing with early autopsy results failing to provide many answers.

No sign of gas leak

It was initially feared that the couple could have both died due to being struck down by poisonous gas.

The theory was first said by the legendary actor’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman.

She told TMZ yesterday the family at first believed the couple may have had carbon monoxide poisoning from toxic fumes.

But Santa Fe Sheriff’s deputies soon dispelled the potenial cause of death as they confirmed after searching the home were no signs of either carbon monoxide poisoning or a gas leak.

The New Mexico Gas Co also worked with the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department in the investigation, according to spokesman Tim Korte.

They tested the gas lines in and around the home and said there were no signs of a gas related issue, according to the warrant.

No external trauma

The key takeaway from the early autopsy results on the couple’s deaths was that both Gene and Betsy had no signs of external trauma.

Neither had any visible injuries on their body or face – leading examiners to believe they didn’t struggle at all during their final moments.

An official statement on the autopsy read: “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.

“The manner and cause of death has not been determined.”

No foul play

Once news broke that Gene, Betsy and their pet had all died at home speculation quickly grew that it may have been a result of criminality.

Despite the fears, the very first police statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office quickly ruled out foul play.

They confirmed the couple had died and said: “This is an active investigation – however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor.”

Cops also soon noted their was no sign of any forced entry or signs of a break-in.

However, deputies did say the front door to the mansion was found slightly open.

Another factor leading officials to believe a third party wasn’t involved is due to neighbors not noticing anything out of the ordinary.

In fact, the alarm was first sounded when those who lived nearby called the cops to report concerns over the couple’s well-being, per ABC News.

While police have said there is no immediate evidence of foul play, they have refused to rule out any possibilities so far – including double homicide, say TMZ.

Unconfirmed cause of death

Cops are yet to rule out any possibility related to the tragic triple death, Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza said to TMZ.

He added double homicide, suicide, accidental death or natural causes are all still being considered.

It comes as many potential lines of enquiry have already been shadowed with doubts – including a gas leak or foul play.

There was also no suicide note found in the home.

Police have said the case is now an “active investigation” but that they are no closer to confirming what may have happened.

It could still take up to six weeks for any real answers to emerge, Chris Ramirez, spokesperson for the New Mexico medical investigator’s office, told The Sun.

“Suspicious deaths”

Investigators have labelled the deaths of Gene and Betsy as “suspicious,” according to a search warrant affidavit released on Thursday.

In order to get a search warrant to enter the home and look for further clues, detectives told a judge the circumstances are “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation”.

Despite his age, Gene was described by many as remarkably fit and active with Betsy also said to be focused on leading an active lifestyle.

It has also now emerged that the couple enjoyed living a reclusive life.

Gene’s youngest daughter revealed she hadn’t spoken to her dad for months before his tragic death.

Leslie, 59, has lived in California for some time and said the long distance between her home and Gene’s New Mexico mansion meant they hadn’t seen each other recently.