Hollywood lost a legend when Gene Hackman was found dead alongside his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, inside their Santa Fe home. Interestingly, one out of three of their dogs was also found dead in her crate. The two-time Oscar-winning actor was found deceased on February 26 and foul play was ruled out but the authorities are still actively investigating the case.
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While their passing is still under investigation, a pathologist has suggested that one of them may have suffered a fatal cardiac event upon discovering the other had died. With no evidence of foul play, the heartbreaking theory has captured the public’s attention.
Could Gene Hackman or Betsy Arakawa have died of a broken heart?
According to Page Six, Chief Medical Examiner James Gill has suggested that either of the two may have died of a broken heart. Gill, who is not involved in the official investigation, believes that ‘a broken heart-type thing’ could have led to the demise of either partner. He explained:
Suddenly finding your loved one dead on the floor, that can increase your adrenaline and that stimulates your heart to beat faster, and that can put your heart into an irregular rhythm.
As per his theory, Hackman may have collapsed first given his heart condition and Betsy may have collapsed due to the stress induced by finding him. However, there’s a possibility the situation could’ve been the other way round as well. Meaning, Betsy may have collapsed first and then Hackman could’ve had ‘broken heart syndrome.’
According to Jefferson Health:
Broken heart syndrome, also called stress-induced cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo syndrome, typically occurs after a physically or emotionally traumatic event [including the loss of a loved one].
In such cases, a surge of stress hormones can increase heart rate and blood pressure, causing symptoms similar to a heart attack. However, the toxicology and autopsy testing are required to say anything with certainty. Gill said:
I think the autopsy and the toxicology testing is what’s needed to be seen in order to make that final determination. Otherwise, it’s kind of speculation at this point.
Gene Hackman’s family react to the death theory
Like Gill, Hackman’s family is also waiting for toxicology, according to E! Online. Tim, the son of Gene’s brother Richard Hackman, told Us Weekly this week:
We’re waiting on toxicology.
That will tell us everything. It’s hard to theorize. There are lots of theories out there and I don’t want to speculate. It’s easy to speculate negative theories.
Tim emphasised that the family is focusing on keeping things positive as they navigate this tragic loss. He added:
The family wants to keep it positive for now and when we know the truth we will deal with it.
This comes as the timeline of events remains unclear. Sheriff Adam Mendoza revealed that Hackman’s pacemaker recorded its last activity on 17 February, suggesting that he may have died on or around that date. Determining exactly when Arakawa passed, however, remains a challenge.
Read more:
Investigation into Gene Hackman's death continues: Police find essential elements in their home
Why Gene Hackman retired from acting: His struggles with stress and his heart health
Michelle Trachtenberg, David Lynch, Gene Hackman: All the celebrities who have died in 2025
Sources used:
Page Six: Gene Hackman or Betsy Arakawa may have died of a broken heart after discovering the other dead, pathologist theorises
E! Online: Gene Hackman’s nephew addresses "theories" surrounding actor and his wife's deaths
