Gene Hackman's Pacemaker Data Hints at Earlier Death

Authorities revealed that the legendary actor Gene Hackman, aged 95, might have passed away several days before he and his wife's bodies were discovered in their Santa Fe residence.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adam Mendoza shared that Hackman's pacemaker ceased to show activity after February 17. During a press briefing, Mendoza mentioned that expert insights suggest it's plausible that Hackman's death coincided with this date.

Pacemakers are crucial devices, sometimes implanted to manage irregular heartbeats by producing electrical pulses.

The findings surrounding the deaths of Hackman and Betsy Arakawa raised immediate concerns. However, initial investigations yielded no evidence of unauthorized entry, deliberate harm, theft, or exposure to harmful gases like carbon monoxide.

Sheriff Mendoza later noted that tests showed no carbon monoxide in the couple's systems. Further investigations confirmed they likely died days, or possibly weeks, prior to being found. The exact time of Arakawa and Hackman’s death remains uncertain.

The couple’s tendency to maintain privacy adds difficulty to determining the last known contact anyone had with them, Mendoza explained.

Their bodies were found in separate areas of the house by a maintenance employee. The open front door hinted at something amiss, although it turned out it was actually not bolted, rather than left ajar.

Hackman was located in what was thought to be a mudroom, while Arakawa was found in a bathroom near their home’s entrance. Prescription medication scattered nearby indicated possible health concerns.

Interestingly, a deceased German Shepherd was found in another bathroom closet. Meanwhile, two other dogs were alive; one stayed near Arakawa and the other roamed outside.

Reports indicate that when last contacted by workers roughly a fortnight ago, communication was mainly via phone or text, hinting at their seclusion.