Gene Hackman died of heart disease, with Alzheimer’s disease contributing; his wife, Betsy Arakawa, died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Authorities ruled both deaths natural and ruled out carbon monoxide. The word “suspicious” appeared earlier in a search-warrant affidavit describing why investigators needed to search the home thoroughly—not as a finding of homicide or foul play.
Why investigators used the word “suspicious”
Hackman and Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26, 2025. They were in separate rooms, the front door was unsecured, and one of the couple’s three dogs was also dead. The bodies showed decomposition. Those circumstances prompted a thorough investigation, but officials said there were no signs of forced entry or foul play.
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The adjective came from a search-warrant affidavit, which described the circumstances as “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.” In context, it explained the basis for investigators to examine the home; it was not a final determination about the cause of death. The Washington Post reported on the affidavit in its February 2025 coverage.
What the gas checks found
Initial checks by fire and gas personnel found no obvious leak or problem with the home’s pipes. Preliminary examinations found no carbon-monoxide poisoning, while toxicology results were still pending. Later, officials disclosed a minor leak from one stove burner and characterized it as insignificant. Both Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for carbon monoxide.
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These findings are not contradictory: the early checks found no obvious leak, while a later inspection identified a small burner leak. A minor fuel-gas leak is also not the same as carbon-monoxide poisoning. Authorities did not identify the burner leak as a cause of either death. The Washington Post reported the later detail on March 7, 2025, alongside the medical findings: its report on the deaths.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the final findings established
| Person | Cause and manner of death | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Gene Hackman | Heart disease, with Alzheimer’s disease contributing; death ruled natural. | Later records indicated he likely died around February 18, based on abnormal pacemaker data. |
| Betsy Arakawa | Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome; death ruled natural. | Records placed her death about a week before Hackman’s. |
The medical examiner’s findings, summarized by the Associated Press on April 15, 2025, resolved the main questions left open during the initial investigation: the causes were different, carbon monoxide was not responsible, and the deaths were ruled natural. See the Associated Press account of the released records.
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How the investigation’s account changed over time
- At the scene: The separate locations, unsecured door and other circumstances led investigators to seek a thorough search. Officials reported no forced entry or apparent foul play.
- During preliminary checks: There was no obvious gas leak, and preliminary examinations did not indicate carbon-monoxide poisoning; toxicology was not yet complete.
- After further review: Officials disclosed an insignificant leak at one stove burner and reported that both people tested negative for carbon monoxide.
- With final medical findings: Authorities identified separate natural causes of death and established that Arakawa died first, about a week before Hackman.
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