Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa may have died in 'similar timeframe', says fire chief

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya has provided insight into the ongoing investigation surrounding the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman, 94, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 62.

According to Moya, early findings suggest that the couple may have died within a similar timeframe.

Gene Hackman and wife may have died within same timeframe

“Both bodies were in similar ways,” Brian Moya told Fox News Digital. “As experts, sad to say, we know a lot about how people die and how long people are dead for – both bodies are in a similar manner that it could be a similar timeframe.”

While Moya was not among the first responders to the 911 call at Hackman’s residence, he was informed that the property spanned over 9,000 square feet and included three separate structures. The fire chief shared that upon returning from Hackman’s residence, his paramedic informed him that Gene, Betsy, and their dog later identified as Zinna were all discovered in the "same building." 

"They checked every residence for gas leaks," he stated. During a press conference on Friday, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that both Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for carbon monoxide. 

Authorities believe Hackman may have died as early as February 17, the last recorded activity on his pacemaker. However, his body, along with Arakawa and one of their dogs, was not discovered until February 26 nine days later when longtime contractor Jesse Kesler and maintenance worker Roland Lowe Begay found the couple inside their Santa Fe home.

Emergency responders conducted a thorough gas leak inspection, ruling out carbon monoxide poisoning as a potential cause. The couple's residence, a 9,000-square-foot property with three separate structures, was checked for any environmental hazards.

Moya shared with Fox News Digital that in his three years as chief, the Santa Fe Fire Department and emergency medical services (EMS) have not responded to any calls at the Hackman residence for any incidents.

While the Santa Fe Fire Department was actively involved in the early stages of the investigation, Chief Moya confirmed that their role concluded on February 27, and the case is now in the hands of the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department.

A week ago, New Mexico authorities discovered Hackman, Arakawa, and one of their dogs deceased in their home. Detectives deemed the circumstances of their deaths "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation," as stated in a search warrant affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital.

A search of the Hackman residence led to the recovery of two cell phones, an orange prescription bottle, and a 2025 planner. Officials have not disclosed whether these items provide any clues regarding the couple’s deaths.

Both Hackman and Arakawa reportedly showed signs of advanced decomposition, with Hackman suspected to have "suddenly fallen" before his death. The severity of Arakawa’s decomposition included bloating on her face and mummification of her hands and feet, according to search warrant documents.

How Gene Hackman and his wife’s two dogs survived

A close friend has shared how two of their dogs managed to survive while their third, Zinna, was not as fortunate.

Joey Padilla, owner of Santa Fe Tails pet care, where the couple frequently boarded their dogs, believes that access to the outdoors saved them. The presence of a doggy door allowed their two surviving pets, Bear and Nikita, to find food and water outside, ensuring their survival, as reported by The Daily Mail.

A deceased dog was found 10-15 feet from Arakawa inside a bathroom closet. Investigators initially misidentified the animal as a German Shepherd but later clarified that the deceased dog, Zinna, was a mixed breed.

Padilla recalled Zinna’s deep bond with Arakawa, describing how the once-shelter dog flourished under her care. "She was Betsy’s baby," he shared.