Sad new details emerge in Gene Hackman case

Authorities in New Mexico have shared a grim new update on the shocking deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife. 

New information has suggested that the Hollywood actor, 95, and his wife, 63, had passed away in their home nine days before their bodies were found. 

The bodies of the deceased couple, who were married for 24 years, were found by a maintenance worker who spotted their bodies through a window. 

Authorities are yet to determine a cause of death for both Hackman and Arakawa but have repeatedly ruled out foul play.

In an investigation update on Friday, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said a pathologist had advised that tests for carbon monoxide poisoning were negative.

Mendoza also said the pathologist was given an insight into Hackman's last moments due to the activity in his pacemaker. 

"An initial interrogation was conducted of Mr Hackman's pacemaker. This revealed that his last event was recorded on February 17th, 2025," he told reporters.

"It is a good assumption that was his last day of life."

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However it remains unclear whether Hackman, who was found in the kitchen of the home, or Arakawa, who was located in a bathroom, died first.

One of the couple's dogs was also located deceased in the bathroom, while two other dogs were found alive at the property.

Alongside Arakawa's body, police found an orange prescription pill bottle in the bathroom and pills scattered across the floor. 

While a toxicology report has been requested on the pills, as well as other medications found inside the house, the report could take months to be completed. 

The discovery of the pills was described as "something of concern", with Mendoza telling NBC News: "That's obviously very important evidence at the scene". 

Hackman appeared in more than 80 films throughout his career, as well as on television and the stage after his breakout role as the brother of bank robber Clyde Barrow in 1967's Bonnie and Clyde, earning him his first Oscar nomination. 

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He won an Oscar for best actor in 1972 for his portrayal of detective Popeye Doyle in The French Connection, and in 1993 won an Oscar for best supporting actor for Unforgiven.

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