Pills found near body of Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy Arakawa are ‘significant’, police say as tragic mystery deepens
THE pills found scattered near the body of Gene Hackman’s pianist wife are “of concern”, a top sheriff investigating the case has revealed.
The two-time Oscar winner, 95, was found dead alongside wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, and their dog in their plush $3.8 million mansion.
The pair’s bodies were found in separate rooms inside their Santa Fe home – opening up inquiries 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 a space heater.
Her body was said to have been found in a state of partial “mummification”.
A prescription bottle of pills was located near the 65-year-old classical pianist, with many tablets scattered across the floor, cops announced.
Santa Fe sheriff Adam Mendoza has now revealed that the pills are a “significant evidence” and “of concern”.
Mendoza described the prescription bottles as “very important evidence”, adding they have been passed onto the medical investigator.
He said: “We’re looking at [the pills] specifically, and other medications possibly in the residence.”
According to the search warrant, the pills found were an unspecified thyroid medication, Tylenol and diltiazem, a medication used to treat high blood pressure.
The death of Gene and his wife is still shrouded in mystery as cops fail to close in on the cause of death.
Investigators believe Hackman died on February 17, the last date recorded on his pacemaker — nine days before he was found.
Sheriff Mendoza said the finding was made in an investigation by Dr Heather Jarrell, New Mexico’s Chief Medical Investigator.
Mendoza told reporters: “An initial interrogation was conducted of Mr Hackman’s pacemaker.
“This revealed that his last event was recorded on February 17, 2025, I was advised that a more thorough investigation will be completed.”
When asked if that indicated Hackman had died that day, he replied: “According to the pathologist I think that is a very good assumption, that that was his last day of life.”
Mendoza added: “The manner and cause of death have not been determined.
“The official results of the autopsy and toxicology reports are pending.”
officials have warned that any official update on the cause of Hackman’s tragic death may still take a painfully long time to emerge.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adam Mendoza admitted that it could take months to reveal the actual cause of death.
He said that the toxicology report – which would be key to determine the cause of death – could take up to 3 months or even more to come out.
Top details in the case…
- The star was found dead alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa and their pet dog at their home in Santa Fe, cops said.
- Gene was last spotted with his wife in 2024 just weeks after his 94th birthday
- Cops have not revealed the acting legend’s cause of death but say there are no signs of foul play
- Police also said an “active investigation” has been launched into the couple’s shocking death
- Tributes to Gene and Betsy pour in from fellow Hollywood actors and stars
- Gene made a haunting comment on his “fear” of death
- The actor’s pal revealed how he went from the least likely to succeed at school to a two-time Oscar winner
- Gene had a “difficult” relationship with his kids and lost touch with his son
- How Gene met his second wife, who he was married to for 34 years, at the gym
- Gene’s daughter suggests the pair could have been poisoned in a gas leak
- Gene could have collapsed and died
- Prince William called the actor a “true genius” in a touching tribute
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.
Police have said they don’t suspect any foul play was at hand, but have been unable to provide any official answers as of yet – and are not ruling it out entirely.
Investigators said they did not find a suicide note and there were no blatant signs of trauma to their bodies.
Despite speculation from Hackman’s daughter Elizabeth Jean about carbon monoxide poisoning, Sheriff Mendoza confirmed both Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for the deadly gas.
A search warrant affidavit previously ruled out a gas leak, leaving the cause of death a mystery.
The actor’s children have said they will travel to Santa Fe once authorities release further details.
A heartbreaking 911 audio captured the moment a caretaker discovered the bodies of Gene and Betsy on Wednesday afternoon.
Deputies rushed to the couple’s mansion at around Wednesday afternoon and saw both of their bodies, which had been dead for some time.
Cops have now labelled their deaths “suspicious” because the door to their home was found open but there was no sign of forced entry, according to the affidavit.
A Santa Fe detective reportedly said a dead woman, believed to be Betsy, was found in a state of decomposition.
Some key mysteries are still plaguing investigators after early autopsy reports on the couple appear to have left more questions than answers.
A close pal of the Oscar-winning star has now revealed that his wife put him on a “strict” health regime.
Doug Lanham, a close friend and former business partner, told TMZ that a health-conscious Betsy made sure Gene was “eating right” and was always following a lean diet plan.
He added: “Betsy took it so seriously, Doug says Gene was only able to sneak a cheat meal when they were out golfing.”
Hackman was last seen publicly with Betsy in March 2024 at a restaurant in Santa Fe.
He appeared frail as he used a cane and grabbed onto his wife’s arm for support when walking.
A STELLAR CAREER
Hackman’s breakout moment was in Bonnie and Clyde in 1967, where he played Buck Barrow.
But, he was known for starring in Superman movies, and hit films like Mississippi Burning and Unforgiven.
He played the supervillain Lex Luthor in Superman, Superman II, and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.
Hackman also starred in the hit movies Runaway Jury, The French Connection, The Royal Tenenbaums, Unforgiven, and The Conversation.
In 1972, he scooped the Best Actor gong for his role as Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection.
He appeared in the movie’s sequel in 1975.
In 1993, Hackman won the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in the western flick Unforgiven.
Hackman played Little Bill Daggett in the film that also starred Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, and Anna Thomson.
Unforgiven scooped four Oscars, including Best Picture.
Hackman appeared in four westerns during the 1990s. The others were: Geronimo: An American Legend, Wyatt Earp, and The Quick and the Dead.
But, he also appeared on stage. Hackman’s last Broadway appearance came in 1992 when he played Roberto Miranda in the play Death and the Maiden.
When he quit acting, it was feared that the decision was linked to stress.
He admitted he struggled to balance family life with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
Hackman wasn’t just a film star; he starred in TV series such as Brenner and The F.B.I.
But after his final role, he left the bright lights of Hollywood and moved to New Mexico.
He was rarely spotted and liked to enjoy Wendy’s drive-thru meals.
In his later years, he suffered from minor health problems.
In 2012, Hackman was struck by a car when riding his bike.
He was rushed to a Miami hospital with serious injuries.
“Gene’s fine,” his agent Susan Madore said at the time as she downplayed any fears.
“Just a few bumps and bruises.”
The incident happened eight years after his final movie role.
And, it was just weeks before he turned 82.