Investigators Find Medications and 2025 Calendar in Gene Hackman’s Home After Mysterious Death
Two different medications and a 2025 calendar were found inside Gene Hackman’s home, where the legendary actor, his wife, and their dog were discovered dead.
The mummified bodies of Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, were found inside their secluded Santa Fe, New Mexico mansion on Wednesday.
Amid growing speculation about the cause of their deaths—including family suggestions of carbon monoxide poisoning—police have ordered autopsies and toxicology tests to determine what happened.
Drugs Found in the Home
On Thursday, investigators searched the $3.8 million mansion and discovered:
• Thyroid medication
• Diltiazem (a drug used for heart conditions)
• Tylenol
Arakawa’s body was found on the bathroom floor next to an open bottle of prescription pills, some of which were scattered on the countertop.
Both Diltiazem and thyroid medication can be fatal in high doses, as they interfere with heart function—though fatal overdoses are extremely rare, even in suicide attempts.
Chilling Clues: Calendar and Health Records
Investigators also recovered two green phones, a 2025 monthly planner, and the couple’s health records, though details about their contents remain undisclosed.
911 Call: A Maintenance Worker’s Panic
An emotional 911 call captured the sheer panic of a maintenance worker after he discovered the couple’s mummified bodies.
“Damn, damn!” he cried, his voice trembling.
“I think we just found a deceased person inside the house,” he told the dispatcher, while dogs barked frantically in the background.
“I don’t know, sir, just send somebody up here quick. The house is locked… I can’t go in, but I see she’s laying on the floor.”
When asked if they were awake, the worker repeatedly said, “They’re not moving. Just send somebody up here.”
Carbon Monoxide Theory Dismissed
One of Hackman’s daughters, Leslie Anne Hackman, initially speculated that her father and stepmother may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
However, New Mexico Gas Company and Santa Fe Fire officials tested the home for leaks and found no evidence of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide or any other toxic gases.
Autopsy and Investigation Findings
Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that initial autopsy results showed no external trauma and no signs of foul play.
“There were no indications of a struggle. Nothing in the home was disturbed. The official cause of death is pending autopsy and toxicology reports,” Mendoza said.
Hackman’s body was found in the mudroom, near the kitchen. His sunglasses and cane were on the floor next to him, sparking speculation that he may have suffered a fatal fall.
Disturbing Scene: A Dead Dog and a Mysterious Open Door
Adding to the mystery, a dead German shepherd was found in a bathroom closet, locked inside a kennel.
However, two other dogs were found alive—one inside the home and another outside.
A search warrant affidavit also stated that when the maintenance worker arrived, the front door was wide open—a detail contradicting his 911 call, in which he said the house was locked. Investigators have not yet explained this discrepancy.
Santa Fe Mayor’s Tribute to Hackman
Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber paid tribute to Hackman, describing him as a “gracious, friendly celebrity” who treated everyone with kindness.
“Gene and Betsy were part of our community. They may have been global icons, but here in Santa Fe, they were just regular people,” Webber said.
Family’s Shock: ‘He Was in Good Health’
Hackman’s daughter, Leslie, 58, said the family is still struggling to understand what happened, as there were no signs of health issues before his sudden death.
“Despite his age, my father was in very good physical condition,” she revealed.
“He did Pilates and yoga several times a week. He hadn’t had any major surgeries recently. This is completely unexpected.”
Waiting for Answers
The full autopsy and toxicology results could take four to six weeks to be released, officials said.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa had been married for 34 years before their tragic deaths.
“They had a wonderful marriage,” Leslie said. “And I give credit to Betsy for keeping him alive all these years.”
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover the truth behind the shocking deaths of one of Hollywood’s most legendary actors.
