On February 26, 2025, the entertainment world was shaken by the discovery of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, found deceased at their Santa Fe, New Mexico, estate. The couple, who had owned the property since the 1980s, were discovered alongside one of their three German Shepherd dogs.
Authorities responded to a welfare check request from a concerned neighbor who had not heard from the couple. Upon arrival, deputies found the couple’s bodies in different areas of the home, with no immediate signs of foul play. Gene Hackman, 95, was found in the mudroom, and Betsy Arakawa, 63, was found in the bathroom, near scattered prescription pills and a space heater.
Initial assessments did not indicate foul play; however, the circumstances were deemed suspicious enough to warrant a thorough investigation. No gas or carbon monoxide leaks were detected, and the house showed no signs of forced entry or theft. The couple’s bodies had begun to undergo natural mummification by the time they were discovered.
Investigators have seized several items from the home, including medications, cell phones, documents, and a calendar planner, to aid in determining the cause of death. The presence of prescription pills near Arakawa’s body and the condition of the bodies suggest that the deaths may have occurred several days prior to discovery.
Gene Hackman, a two-time Academy Award-winning actor, is renowned for his roles in films such as “The French Connection,” “Unforgiven,” and “Hoosiers.” He retired from acting in 2004 and had been living a relatively private life with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist.
As of now, the exact cause of death remains under investigation. Authorities are awaiting autopsy results and conducting further inquiries to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The community and fans worldwide await answers as the investigation continues.
