Pathologist refutes 'companion suicide' theory in deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: While the investigation into the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa continues, a pathologist has refuted the 'companion suicide' theory surrounding the couple's death.

Hackman, the 95-year-old actor, and Arakawa were found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Wednesday, February 26, around 1:45 pm. Hackman was discovered in the mudroom, while Arakawa was found in the bathroom, with prescription pills scattered on a counter. 

Authorities later confirmed that the couple had been dead for several days, noting that Hackman's pacemaker had stopped working days before their bodies were discovered.

Pathologist reveals why Gene Hackman and Betsy Arkawa's deaths are not companian suicide

Pathologist James Gill, in his report to People magazine, provided insight into the tragic deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa. Gill, the Chief Medical Examiner with the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, who is not involved in the couple's official investigation, stated that the "companion suicide" theory is unlikely.

He emphasized the couple's position, saying, "I've seen cases like that — usually they're together in bed. The fact that they’re in two separate locations tells me that I think that’s less likely."

Reflecting on the initial reports, he noted, "From the initial kind of circumstances, it seems like he may have collapsed — he's got a history of heart disease. He's got a pacemaker. So that would not be unusual."

Gill added, "And the fact that he's ambulatory, that I think is important too, because sometimes we'll see instances where someone is bedridden and maybe they have dementia and then their caregiver dies from a natural event, and 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."

He also explained that pacemakers and defibrillators, which are sometimes equipped with features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to record irregular heart rhythms, can help determine the time of death.

"What's the time [of Gene's death] related to his wife? When did she die? That’s a little bit of a more gray area, I think," he noted.

Gill also addressed the discovery of a German Shepherd found dead in a kennel crate near Arakawa, suggesting that the dog’s death could have been due to lack of food and water, stating, "I think the dog could easily be explained by just not getting enough food and water. And they can only survive for a week or so without food and water."

Two other dogs were found alive and are now in the care of a family friend.

Forensic pathologist suggests Gene Hackman and Arakawa's deaths may have been accidental

Another prominent forensic pathologist has suggested that the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa may have been accidental. Dr Michael Baden, the former Chief Medical Examiner of New York City, discussed the case in an interview with Fox News, explaining that Hackman could have experienced cardiac arrest.

Dr Baden explained, "That event would have been a cardiac arrest caused by an abnormal pulse rate. The pacemaker keeps track of the pulse, and when it gets down too low, it discharges. And that's all in the record."

He went on to say, "So the autopsy showed he didn't have any injury. There was no carbon monoxide. And he had — the most common cause of death in this country — severe heart disease, coronary artery disease and high blood pressure perhaps, from what's been released." 

Regarding Arakawa, Dr Baden speculated, "She may have struck her head on the way down and had some internal injury to the brain that doesn't show up on the outside or bleeding in the inside of the brain."

Dr Baden also noted, "What was perplexing to me initially with the release was the death of a dog also, which I thought was free in the house. And that's why I think that the carbon monoxide [theory] was a very good thought with them breathing in the same air." 

He concluded, "But the circumstances of the two of them isolated by themselves. And that may have been the reason that 911 wasn't called, for example, while his wife was trying to get him some medication and fell."