Gene Hackman death: Doubts cast over theory that actor and wife took their own lives together

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa pictured in 1991. The pair were found dead in late February. Photo / Getty Images

Warning: Contains suicide references

An expert medical examiner has cast doubt over speculation that Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, died by a joint suicide.

The circumstances of the couple’s death remain unclear more than a week after Hackman and his wife were found lifeless in their New Mexico home.

Authorities, who launched an inquiry into the “suspicious” deaths, said the Unforgiven actor, 95, had probably been dead for over a week.

The couple were found dead in separate rooms, with Hackman in the mudroom and Arakawa next to an open bottle of pills in a bathroom.

Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa pictured during the 60th Golden Globe Awards. Photo / WireImage

No external injuries were found on the pair and initial tests revealed “both individuals had tested negative for carbon monoxide”, quashing suggestions from Hackman’s family they could have been overcome by fumes.

Connecticut chief medical examiner James Gill revealed in a recent interview that the circumstances should rule out a joint suicide.

Though Gill isn’t working on the Hackman case, he suggested that from his experience, the locations the couple were found make him think it was unlikely they had decided to end their lives together.

“I’ve seen cases like that – usually they’re together in bed,” he told People magazine.

“The fact that they’re in two separate locations tells me that I think that’s less likely”.

Gill said judging by the initial circumstances, it seemed as if the actor “may have collapsed”, citing his history of heart disease and the fact he wore a pacemaker.

Santa Fe fire chief Brian Moya speaks to media about the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. Photo / New York Times

Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza had previously said that after an initial interrogation was conducted of Hackman’s pacemaker, his last event was recorded on February 17.

Mendoza said it was “a very good assumption that was th last day of Hackman’s life.

Gill also pointed out Hackman’s mobile nature at his advanced age could rule out that he died after his wife, questioning the theory he committed suicide because he no longer had a carer.

“Sometimes, we’ll see instances where someone is bedridden and maybe they have dementia and then their caregiver dies from a natural event,” he said.

“Then there’s no one there to take care of them and then they can die from dehydration or what have you. I don’t think that’s the case in this.”

It was also previously reported by authorities that the house front door was unlocked and open, and Hackman’s body was found “fully clothed with sunglasses next to his body”, indicating a fall of some sort.

A German shepherd was found dead in the bathroom, with two other surviving dogs also found.

Police said they were not ruling out overdose or heart attack theories.

Gene Hackman was known for his Oscar-winning turn in The French Connection.

The couple were known to be private and generally kept out of the public eye since Hackman’s retirement in 2004.

“He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa,” daughters Elizabeth and Leslie Hackman and granddaughter Annie Hackman said in a statement.

“We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”

SUICIDE AND DEPRESSION

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906• Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234
• What’s Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)
• Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)
• Aoake te Rā – Free, brief therapeutic support service for those bereaved by suicide. Call 0800 000 053.
• Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737

If it is an emergency and you feel you are or someone else is at risk, call 111