Items seized from the home of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa – Medications, cellphones, more

Following the tragic deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, authorities have confirmed that a number of items have been seized from their home in an effort to find more answers about how they may have died.

Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead on Wednesday. Credit: Donaldson Collection / Getty

The legendary Hollywood star, 95, and his 65-year-old wife were both found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on Wednesday (February 26).

As previously reported, police say that their bodies were discovered in separate rooms, alongside one of their three German Shepherds, which was also deceased. Two other “healthy” dogs were found alive at the premises.

Authorities were alerted to the scene after a maintenance worker – who was at the home for pest control – called 9-1-1 to raise the alarm.

Read more: Frantic 9-1-1 Call From Person Who Discovered Gene Hackman And Wife Betsy

Authorities have not confirmed when the couple was last seen, though two maintenance workers said they hadn’t heard from them in about two weeks.

Now, Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza has revealed that a number of items have been seized by authorities from the couple’s home, in an effort to find answers regarding the couple’s deaths.

Sheriff Mendoza has shared more information with the press. Credit: Sam Wasson/Getty Images

Authorities Share Upsetting Details Found At The Scene

Arakawa’s body was discovered in a bathroom, lying on her side near a space heater, and an open orange pill bottle with scattered pills lay on a nearby countertop, per PageSix.

The affidavit noted she had “obvious signs of death, body decomposition, bloating in her face and mummification in both hands and feet.”

Hackman’s body was located in what deputies believe was the mudroom, near a pair of sunglasses. Like his wife, he showed “obvious signs of death, similar and consistent with the female decedent.”

Authorities had previously stated that it appeared Hackman had “suddenly fallen”, but a recent update from Sheriff Mendoza revealed that it is unlikely to have been the cause of his death. “There was no trauma indicated, I’m assuming if they had fallen or injured themselves that would have been discovered by the pathologists,” he said.

One of the couple’s dogs was also discovered dead about 10 to 15 feet from her body, inside a crate.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated: “There was no external trauma to either of them,” and initial findings suggested they had been deceased for “several days, possibly even up to a couple of weeks”, per Sky News.

Additionally, there were no signs of forced entry, and nothing appeared to have been stolen.

7 Items Police Hope Will Provide Answers

During the police press conference on February 28, Mendoza revealed that officials have seized seven items from the scene.

These items are:

Two green cellphones
A 2025 monthly planner
Medical records from MyQuest, a patient portal from Quest Diagnostics
Three types of medication: Tylenol, thyroid medication, and Diltiazem (a blood pressure medication)

It is unclear who the medications belonged to and whether they were linked to the scattered pills found near Arakawa’s body.

Authorities will “sift through cell phones” and analyze phone data, call logs, and medical records as they continue their probe.

“These are things I think are important for the pathologist and OMI (Office of the Medical Investigator) to consider to try to make a determination of what the cause and manner of death are,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza also told TODAY that the spilled medication is “very important evidence”, as authorities work on piecing together a timeline of what happened to the couple. “We’re looking at that specifically and other medications that were possibly in the residence,” he told the outlet on Friday. “So that is something of concern.”

Gene Hackman’s Pacemaker Data

One of the most significant pieces of evidence in the investigation is Hackman’s pacemaker.

Data retrieved from the device indicates that its last recorded “event” occurred on February 17, 2025.

Sheriff Mendoza explained: “According to the pathologist, I think that is a very good assumption — that was his last day of life.”

One of the couple’s dogs was also found dead. Credit: Evan Agostini / Getty

Authorities have not yet determined whether Arakawa passed away on the same day or at a later time.”That’s one of our challenges because of their privacy,” Mendoza added.

Carbon Monoxide Tests Negative

Early concerns that carbon monoxide poisoning may have been responsible for their deaths were ruled out after thorough testing. The Santa Fe City Fire Department conducted tests and found no traces of the gas in the home.

New Mexico Gas Company also checked the residence and reported, per ABC News: “As of now, there are no signs or evidence indicating there were any problems associated to the pipes in and around the residence.”

There had been fears a gas leak could have contributed to their deaths. Credit: Ron Galella / Getty

Sheriff Mendoza added, “She [the pathologist] shared that information with me because she thought it was relevant to the case and important for the public to know.”

Officials are now awaiting the full results from the autopsy and toxicology tests, which Mendoza says could take “months or longer”.

A Legendary Career and Enduring Marriage

Gene Hackman had a decades-spanning career in Hollywood, appearing in over 80 films. He won two Academy Awards—one for Best Actor in The French Connection (1971) and another for Best Supporting Actor in Unforgiven (1992).

His notable roles included Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Superman (1978), The Conversation (1974), The Poseidon Adventure (1972), and Crimson Tide (1995).

Hackman retired from acting in 2004 after his doctor warned him about the strain on his heart. He later focused on writing, publishing several historical fiction novels and crime thrillers.

Gene Hackman will be remembered as one of Hollywood’s greatest pioneers. Credit: Jeff Kravitz / Getty

Arakawa, a classical pianist, married Hackman in 1991, and the two lived a private life in Santa Fe. Friends and family described her as devoted and deeply involved in maintaining Hackman’s health, keeping him on a strict diet and exercise regimen that included yoga and Pilates.

The couple had been married for 34 years.

A Lasting Legacy

Prince William shared his condolences, calling Hackman “a true genius of film who brought each and every character to life with power, authenticity, and star quality.”

Santa Fe Film Commissioner Jennifer LaBar-Tapia reflected on Hackman’s impact: “Gene was not only a legendary actor whose talent shaped generations of storytelling, but he and Betsy were also longtime residents of our community, deeply woven into the fabric of Santa Fe. His work inspired countless artists, actors, and filmmakers, and his impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.”

Fellow Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood has also paid his respects, saying in a statement: “There was no finer actor than Gene. Intense and instinctive. Never a false note. He was also a dear friend whom I will miss very much”

The investigation into the deaths continues.

Our thoughts continue to go out to the couple’s family and loved ones at this time.