Mystery Grows Around Gene Hackman and Wife’s Deaths as Pathologist Questions Delay in Calling 911
The sudden and mysterious deaths of Hollywood icon Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy, have sparked questions, as a pathologist wonders why 911 wasn’t called immediately.
The sudden and mysterious deaths of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy, 65, have left many unanswered questions. The couple was found deceased inside their Santa Fe, N.M., home on Feb. 26, with authorities stating that it appeared they had been dead for several days before their discovery.
Earlier this week, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office ruled out certain environmental factors, confirming there were “no significant findings” of gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning in their home. However, the exact circumstances surrounding their deaths remain undetermined.
Pathologist Theorizes Possible Causes
James Gill, Chief Medical Examiner with the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner—who is not involved in the official investigation — has weighed in on the unusual circumstances. “Initially, I was thinking carbon monoxide,” Gill says. “You’re thinking of something that all the people would be exposed to. But the fact that that’s negative then you start wondering about not only the cause of death, but the manner of death.”
Gill speculates that Gene may have collapsed first due to his history of heart disease and the presence of a pacemaker. “He’s got a history of heart disease,” he says. “He’s got a pacemaker. So that would not be unusual. But the unusual part is that why then did she also collapse?”
Questions Raised Over Lack of Emergency Call
One of the biggest questions surrounding the case is why 911 was never called. “If she had found him alive, why didn’t she call 911? Which, you know, usually that’s a person’s first instinct,” says Gill. “Maybe they had agreed that if he was found, he didn’t want to be resuscitated. She may have panicked and then either had a primary heart event herself, a cardiac event or maybe she got despondent, and she took pills.”
Gill also suggests the possibility that Betsy passed away first, leading Gene to experience a fatal medical emergency. “Just as likely, he’s older, he’s got known heart disease. But the autopsy would certainly show if she had heart disease or cancer or what have you.”
Autopsy and Toxicology Results Awaited
Investigators are awaiting autopsy and toxicology reports, which Gill believes will be crucial in determining the exact cause and manner of death. “I think the autopsy and the toxicology testing are really going to be what’s needed in order to make that final determination,” he says. “Otherwise, it’s kind of speculation at this point.”
Authorities were first alerted to the couple’s home when a pest control worker stopped by for a scheduled visit and received no response. Concerned, the worker contacted a neighborhood security officer, who then looked through a window and saw the bodies before calling 911.
Disturbing Scene Inside the Home
Gene was discovered in the mudroom, dressed in gray sweatpants and a blue long-sleeved T-shirt. Nearby, officers found a pair of sunglasses and a walking cane. According to a search warrant affidavit obtained by PEOPLE, an officer at the scene suspected that Gene had “suddenly fallen.”
Betsy was found on the floor of the bathroom near a countertop. Investigators noted a space heater near her head, leading them to suspect she may have knocked it over as she fell. Scattered pills were also found on the counter.
The couple showed signs of decomposition, with Betsy exhibiting bloating in her face and “mummification” in both hands and feet. In another unsettling detail, the couple’s dog was found dead inside a closet in the bathroom, about 10 to 15 feet from Betsy’s body.
As authorities continue their investigation, questions remain about what led to the couple’s tragic deaths. This is a developing story.
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