Scattered pills found near Betsy Arakawa as authorities investigate Gene Hackman’s death

Authorities are conducting a detailed investigation into the deaths of Gene Hackman, the legendary Hollywood actor, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, after discovering scattered pills and an open prescription bottle near Arakawa’s body.

Scattered Pills Raise Questions in Ongoing Investigation

According to a search warrant affidavit, Arakawa was found lying on the floor of a bathroom in the couple’s Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Wednesday. A deputy observed pills scattered on the bathroom counter, along with an open prescription bottle, raising questions about what role medication may have played in the couple’s deaths.

A space heater was found near Arakawa’s head, leading investigators to consider whether it may have fallen alongside her. She was found in a state of decomposition, indicating that she had been deceased for some time before being discovered.

Gene Hackman was later found in the mud room of the home, fully dressed with a cane nearby. A deputy noted that it appeared he had suddenly fallen, but no immediate cause of death has been determined.

Authorities confirmed that no carbon monoxide or gas leaks were found on the property, and there were no visible signs of trauma on either Hackman or Arakawa.

Sheriff’s Office: No Signs of Foul Play, but Investigation Continues

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza emphasized that, while foul play is not currently suspected, the circumstances of their deaths require further investigation.

“At this stage in the process, there isn’t anything obvious like that. The autopsy is going to tell us more,” Mendoza stated.

A magistrate judge approved a search warrant, allowing authorities to collect medical records, any narcotics present, and other potential evidence to determine the cause of death.

A Quiet Life in Santa Fe

Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 64, had lived in their secluded Santa Fe neighborhood for decades. After retiring from Hollywood in 2004, Hackman devoted himself to painting and writing, rarely making public appearances.

Friends described the couple as private but deeply devoted to each other. Hackman was an investor in Jinja, a local Asian fusion restaurant, where several of his paintings were displayed.

Doug Lanham, the restaurant’s owner and a longtime friend, recalled Hackman’s playful personality but noted that he had become more reclusive in recent years.

“He loved Santa Fe because people treated him like just part of the community,” Lanham said.

Barbara Lenihan, another close friend, noted that Hackman had appeared frailer in recent months, but was still actively painting and drawing.

Awaiting Autopsy Results

As the investigation continues, authorities will rely on the autopsy reports to determine whether the scattered pills and prescription bottle played a role in Arakawa’s death—and whether any underlying health conditions contributed to Hackman’s passing.

With no clear cause yet determined, officials are expected to release further details as soon as toxicology reports and additional forensic examinations are completed.

With reports from the New York Times, The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.