Gene Hackman’s nephew, Tim Hackman, has addressed the growing number of theories surrounding the legendary actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, after their shocking deaths.
Last week, the mummified remains of the Unforgiven star, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were discovered inside their $3.8 million Santa Fe home, along with their deceased dog, Zinna. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office has labeled the case “suspicious,” fueling speculation about potential causes, including “companion suicide” or toxic gas exposure.
However, a recent investigation by the gas company found “no significant findings” of gas leaks or carbon monoxide in the home, eliminating one of the early theories.
Tim Hackman, speaking to Us Weekly, urged people to avoid jumping to conclusions. “We’re waiting on toxicology. That will tell us everything,” he said. “There are a lot of theories out there, but I don’t want to speculate. It’s easy to assume the worst.”
Tim, the son of Gene’s late brother Richard Hackman—who was also his stunt double—added, “The family wants to keep things positive for now. When we know the truth, we’ll deal with it.”
Unanswered Questions
The circumstances of Gene and Betsy’s deaths have left many questions unanswered. Hackman was found in the mudroom near a can and his glasses, while Betsy was discovered on the bathroom floor with prescription pills scattered on the counter. Meanwhile, two of their three dogs were found alive, while Zinna was locked in a kennel inside a bathroom closet.
Tim acknowledged that Gene’s advanced age made his passing somewhat expected but admitted that the unusual details surrounding their deaths have complicated matters. “My uncle was 95—an age where you start to think, ‘Okay, it’s time.’ But given what we now know, things have changed. It’s a major shift,” he said.
The Investigation Continues
Authorities have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as a cause, and a medical expert has cast doubt on the “companion suicide” theory. Dr. James Gill, Chief Medical Examiner for Connecticut, told People that such cases typically involve couples dying together, often in bed. Since Gene and Betsy were found in separate rooms, he believes this scenario is unlikely.
Gill also pointed out that Gene had a history of heart disease and a pacemaker, suggesting that he may have collapsed from natural causes. His pacemaker recorded its last activity on February 17—nine days before their bodies were found—leading investigators to believe this was likely his time of death.
Toxicology reports are still pending, and police continue to examine evidence, including mobile phones, medical records, and a 2025 planner found in the home. They are also working to establish the couple’s last known contact with others, though their private lifestyle has made this challenging.
A Hollywood Legend Remembered
Gene Hackman was honored at the 97th Annual Academy Awards, where his longtime friend and co-star Morgan Freeman paid tribute.
“This week, our community lost a giant, and I lost a dear friend,” Freeman said. “Gene always said, ‘I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.’ Gene, you will be remembered for that—and so much more. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Tim Hackman said he appreciated the tribute, telling Us Weekly, “I thought they did a good job. I was touched by it.”
Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, along with his granddaughter Annie, have expressed their devastation over the loss. As the investigation continues, friends, fans, and loved ones remain searching for answers.
