Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased in their Santa Fe home, leaving investigators and medical experts searching for answers. 

The couple, who had been married for over three decades, were discovered alongside their 12-year-old dog, Zinna, on February 26. 

As authorities continue their investigation, a forensic pathologist has presented three possible explanations for the mysterious circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Investigation Faces Challenges

Authorities working on the case have revealed that they do not have any surveillance footage to assist in determining the couple’s final moments. 

Additionally, it has been confirmed that carbon monoxide poisoning has been ruled out as a cause of death. 

Without these crucial pieces of evidence, officials have had to rely on autopsy reports and toxicology findings, which are still pending.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza provided further insight, stating that Hackman’s pacemaker indicated his last recorded activity was on February 17, meaning there was an 11-day gap between his passing and the discovery of his body. This revelation has added to the mystery, as investigators attempt to reconstruct the timeline of events leading up to the couple’s tragic deaths.

Three Possible Causes of Death

Forensic pathologist Dr. James Gill, who serves as the Chief Medical Examiner in Connecticut, has weighed in on the potential reasons behind the shocking incident. While he is not directly involved in the investigation, his expertise has led him to propose three plausible explanations.

Natural Causes Due to Heart Disease

Dr. Gill noted that Hackman, 95, had a history of heart disease and had previously undergone surgery to install a pacemaker. Given his age and medical condition, it is possible that he suffered a fatal cardiac event. While this would explain his passing, the more perplexing aspect is how Betsy, 64, also died around the same time.

A Stress-Induced Reaction

Another theory suggests that Betsy may have passed away first, and upon discovering her lifeless body, Hackman suffered a fatal shock. Dr. Gill explained that extreme emotional distress can trigger fatal heart arrhythmias, particularly in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. If Hackman found his wife unresponsive, the shock and grief could have led to his sudden death.

A Similar Medical Condition

The third theory posits that both Hackman and Betsy may have succumbed to a shared medical issue, such as an undiagnosed infection or environmental factor. Since carbon monoxide poisoning has been ruled out, investigators are waiting on toxicology reports to determine whether an external substance or toxin contributed to their passing.

Autopsy and Toxicology Reports Awaited

At this stage, the exact cause of death remains undetermined. Autopsies have already been performed, but officials are still waiting for the toxicology results to provide further clarity. Investigators are also examining other environmental and medical factors that could have played a role in the couple’s untimely demise.

The absence of surveillance footage has complicated the case, leaving authorities reliant on medical findings and testimonies from those who knew the couple. Neighbors and close acquaintances have shared their shock, with many noting that both Hackman and Betsy appeared to be in good health in the weeks leading up to their deaths.

The Fate of Their Beloved Dogs

Amidst the heartbreaking loss, questions arose about what would happen to the couple’s surviving pets. It was confirmed that their two dogs were safely taken in by Joe Padilla, the owner of a local pet daycare facility in Santa Fe. Padilla, who had frequently cared for the couple’s dogs in the past, assured that they were safe and being well looked after. However, he is awaiting instructions on the late couple’s final wishes regarding the animals’ long-term care.

A Tragic and Puzzling Loss

Gene Hackman was one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, known for iconic roles in films such as The French Connection and Unforgiven. His retirement from acting in 2004 allowed him to enjoy a quiet life in New Mexico with Betsy, a concert pianist. Their sudden and unexplained deaths have left fans mourning the loss of an entertainment legend while seeking closure on the mysterious circumstances surrounding his passing.

As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge. Until then, the world continues to remember Hackman for his incredible contributions to cinema, and many hope that answers will soon provide closure to this tragic chapter.

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