Gene Hackman’s death investigation looms with toxicology and phone data as law enforcement officials continue to search for clarity amid tragedy. More than two weeks have passed since the award-winning actor, alongside his beloved wife Betsy Arakawa and their cherished dog Zinna, was discovered deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico residence.
Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza recently confirmed in a poignant news conference that detectives unearthed multiple answers to lingering questions about the Hackmans’ situation; however, specific data remains vital to finalize the inquiry.
“What’s going to take a little bit of time in a situation like this is anything that involves a subpoena or search warrant work,” Maura stated with a heavy heart.
Detectives are diligently reviewing digital footprints from cellphones and analyzing financial records, carefully piecing together the life they once knew in order to ensure the integrity of the Hackman estate remains intact.
“We consider this an open investigation until we close the loopholes of the cellphones, until we finish out the necropsy results of the canine and the other loose ends that we need to tie up,” Mendoza discussed solemnly during the recent news conference.
The couple’s bodies, once full of stories and laughter, were discovered on February 26, weeks after Betsy had last graced a public space.
It was later confirmed that Betsy succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and serious disease, while Gene’s cause of death was attributed to hypertensive atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease. Alzheimer’s loomed over his final days, creating shadows of uncertainty.
As the community collectively holds its breath, waiting for divisive toxicology results, questions swirl about the medical assistance Betsy may have been receiving and potential side effects from her treatments.
A surveillance camera captured her bittersweet final moments at the local CVS Pharmacy, her seemingly mundane existence playing out in the backdrop of a significantly altered reality. Betsy’s autopsy labeled her death as natural; authorities suspect she passed away on or around February 11. Toxicology reports remain awaited.
Time floated on, leaving Gene alone in their shared sanctuary for approximately a week following Betsy’s untimely passing until he succumbed around February 18, the last record of activity from his pacemaker marking the end of an era.
Chief Medical Investigator Heather Jarrell undertook a thorough autopsy of Gene the following day, revealing dire heart conditions, remnants of numerous surgeries, traces of past heart attacks, and alarming kidney issues tied to chronic high blood pressure.
As she peered into the depths of his brain, she found advanced Alzheimer’s along with evidence of blood vessel changes. “I’m not aware of what his normal daily functioning capability was,” Jarrell reflected somberly. “He was in a very poor state of health, and he had significant heart disease.” The gravity of such statements rings ever so painfully in the hearts of those who loved him.
Jarrell’s examination found no signs of dehydration yet noted poor kidney function. An emptiness was palpable; Gene’s stomach revealed no recent sustenance, suggesting a state of neglect—both physical and perhaps emotional. “He was in an advanced state of Alzheimer’s, and it’s quite possible he was not aware that she was deceased,” the medical examiner lamented.
Amidst the dual tragedy, Zinna, one of the Hackmans’ loyal companions, met a sorrowful fate alongside her owners. Investigators learned that Betsy had enlisted Zinna’s care, retrieving her from Gruda Veterinary Hospital in Santa Fe just days before. In a heartbreaking revelation, Zinna’s body was discovered in a crate, tucked away in a closet, approximately “10 to 15” feet from Betsy.
On Friday, Santa Fe County animal control issued a report indicating Zinna likely perished from dehydration and starvation. Strikingly, signs of mummification complicated the examination, yet there were no clues pointing to poisoning or trauma as a potential cause.
With an empty stomach and traces of fur and bile as the only remnants, the extent of the tragedy expanded. “There was a procedure that was done with the dog, which may explain why the dog was in a crate,” Mendoza explained as the weight of the loss hung in the air.
Bear and Nikita, the couple’s other surviving dogs, found solace on the property, reconnecting to the memories of happier times, amidst a backdrop of heartache.
