THE pills found scattered near the body of Gene Hackman’s pianist wife are “of concern”, a top sheriff investigating the case has revealed.

The two-time Oscar winner, 95, was found dead alongside wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, and their dog in their plush $3.8 million mansion.

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Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa at the 60th Golden GlobesCredit: Getty

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The last picture of Hackman and his wife, from March 2024Credit: Splash

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The pair’s bodies were found in separate rooms inside their Santa Fe home – opening up inquiries over how they both died.

The two-time Oscar winner was discovered fully clothed in a wet room off the kitchen with his cane laid out next to him, according to a search warrant.

Betsy was later discovered on the bathroom floor, near a space heater.

Her body was said to have been found in a state of partial “mummification”.

A prescription bottle of pills was located near the 65-year-old classical pianist, with many tablets scattered across the floor, cops announced.

Santa Fe sheriff Adam Mendoza has now revealed that the pills are a “significant evidence” and “of concern”.

Mendoza described the prescription bottles as “very important evidence”, adding they have been passed onto the medical investigator.

He said: “We’re looking at [the pills] specifically, and other medications possibly in the residence.”

According to the search warrant, the pills found were an unspecified thyroid medication, Tylenol and diltiazem, a medication used to treat high blood pressure.

The death of Gene and his wife is still shrouded in mystery as cops fail to close in on the cause of death.
Frantic 911 call revealed after Gene Hackman and wife found ‘not moving’ by weeping caretaker who begs operator for help
Investigators believe Hackman died on February 17, the last date recorded on his pacemaker — nine days before he was found.

Sheriff Mendoza said the finding was made in an investigation by Dr Heather Jarrell, New Mexico’s Chief Medical Investigator.

Mendoza told reporters: “An initial interrogation was conducted of Mr Hackman’s pacemaker.

“This revealed that his last event was recorded on February 17, 2025, I was advised that a more thorough investigation will be completed.”

When asked if that indicated Hackman had died that day, he replied: “According to the pathologist I think that is a very good assumption, that that was his last day of life.”

Mendoza added: “The manner and cause of death have not been determined.

“The official results of the autopsy and toxicology reports are pending.”

officials have warned that any official update on the cause of Hackman’s tragic death may still take a painfully long time to emerge.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adam Mendoza admitted that it could take months to reveal the actual cause of death.

He said that the toxicology report – which would be key to determine the cause of death – could take up to 3 months or even more to come out.

Chris Ramirez, spokesperson for the New Mexico medical investigator’s office, told The Sun confirmation from the medical examiner’s office could still take anywhere between four to six weeks.

Police have said they don’t suspect any foul play was at hand, but have been unable to provide any official answers as of yet – and are not ruling it out entirely.

Investigators said they did not find a suicide note and there were no blatant signs of trauma to their bodies.

Despite speculation from Hackman’s daughter Elizabeth Jean about carbon monoxide poisoning, Sheriff Mendoza confirmed both Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for the deadly gas.

A search warrant affidavit previously ruled out a gas leak, leaving the cause of death a mystery.

The actor’s children have said they will travel to Santa Fe once authorities release further details.

A heartbreaking 911 audio captured the moment a caretaker discovered the bodies of Gene and Betsy on Wednesday afternoon.

Deputies rushed to the couple’s mansion at around Wednesday afternoon and saw both of their bodies, which had been dead for some time.

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Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza speaks during a press conference to provide an update on the investigationCredit: Getty

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Cops outside Gene’s home on Thursday morningCredit: AP

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Gene accepts his Oscar for best actor in 1971Credit: AP
Cops have now labelled their deaths “suspicious” because the door to their home was found open but there was no sign of forced entry, according to the affidavit.

A Santa Fe detective reportedly said a dead woman, believed to be Betsy, was found in a state of decomposition.

Some key mysteries are still plaguing investigators after early autopsy reports on the couple appear to have left more questions than answers.

A close pal of the Oscar-winning star has now revealed that his wife put him on a “strict” health regime.

Doug Lanham, a close friend and former business partner, told TMZ that a health-conscious Betsy made sure Gene was “eating right” and was always following a lean diet plan.

He added: “Betsy took it so seriously, Doug says Gene was only able to sneak a cheat meal when they were out golfing.”

Hackman was last seen publicly with Betsy in March 2024 at a restaurant in Santa Fe.

He appeared frail as he used a cane and grabbed onto his wife’s arm for support when walking.