Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's Deaths Remain Unexplained as Investigation Progresses

Authorities rule out carbon monoxide poisoning and gas leaks while awaiting toxicology results to determine the cause of the couple's deaths.

Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found deceased in their Santa Fe home on February 26, with no signs of external trauma or foul play reported so far.
Investigators confirmed that carbon monoxide poisoning and gas leaks were not factors in their deaths, despite a minor, non-lethal gas leak found in the home.
Hackman's pacemaker last recorded activity on February 17, suggesting the couple may have been dead for nine days before their bodies were discovered.
Arakawa was found in a bathroom near a space heater and an open prescription bottle with pills scattered, while Hackman was discovered in the mudroom near his cane and sunglasses.
Authorities are analyzing personal items, including cellphones and a planner, while toxicology and autopsy reports, expected in weeks, are key to determining the cause of death.