Legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding their ‘suspicious’ deaths.
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Hollywood Mourns as Investigation Into Gene Hackman’s Death Begins
Gene Hackman, the two-time Academy Award-winning actor known for The French Connection and Unforgiven, has died at the age of 95. He and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 64, were found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Their deaths are being investigated as “suspicious,” though authorities have not yet determined an official cause.
A search warrant obtained by investigators states that the circumstances require a “thorough search and investigation.” Despite the unsettling details, authorities have not found evidence of foul play at this time.
Authorities Investigate ‘Suspicious’ Circumstances
How Gene Hackman and His Wife Were Discovered
According to police reports, two maintenance workers arrived at the couple’s home on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park on Wednesday afternoon. They noticed that the front door was ajar and found both Hackman and Arakawa deceased inside.
Authorities responded to the scene at approximately 1:45 p.m. No forced entry was observed, and nothing appeared to be stolen.
Locations and Conditions of the Bodies
- Betsy Arakawa was found on the bathroom floor. A space heater was nearby, and a prescription pill bottle was located on the counter. Investigators noted that pills were “scattered” across the countertop.
- Gene Hackman was found in a mudroom near the kitchen. Authorities suspect that he may have suddenly collapsed.
- A German shepherd was discovered inside the bathroom, about ten feet away from Arakawa’s body. Two other dogs were also found on the property—one in the bathroom and another outside the house.
