- The investigation into the deaths of actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and one of their dogs continues. Authorities have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning but have yet to determine an official cause.
- Initial reports misidentified the deceased dog; it was actually a 12-year-old Australian Kelpie mix, while their German Shepherd and Akita Shepherd mix are alive.
- As the case enters its second week, investigators continue to search for a cause of death, and they do not suspect foul play.
Full Story
The investigation into the deaths of actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and one of their dogs continues. Authorities have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning but have yet to determine an official cause.
A search warrant affidavit revealed that investigators found no significant evidence of carbon monoxide poisoning or a gas leak in the couple’s home.
Hackman and Arakawa found in separate rooms
Hackman’s body was discovered in the mudroom. Investigators noted that his pacemaker had not registered activity since Feb. 17 –– nine days before a maintenance worker found him.
Arakawa was found on the bathroom floor with an open bottle of prescription pills scattered on the counter. Just feet away, inside a bathroom closet, one of their dogs was also found dead.
Confusion over deceased dog’s identity
Initial reports misidentified the deceased dog as a German Shepherd. However, USA Today first reported that the couple’s German Shepherd and Akita Shepherd mix are alive.
According to the owner of Santa Fe Tails Pet Care Facility, which is now caring for the surviving dogs, the pet that died was actually a 12-year-old Australian Kelpie mix. The dog was reportedly always at Arakawa’s side.
Investigation remains open
As the case enters its second week, authorities are still working to determine a cause of death. Investigators do not suspect foul play.
According to CNN, officials retrieved several items from the home, including a 2025 planner and phone records, in an effort to piece together a timeline.
The case remains open as investigators await autopsy and toxicology results.
