Oscar-Winning Actor Gene Hackman and Wife Found Dead in Santa Fe Home
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26, 2025, alongside their deceased German Shepherd dog. Authorities reported that the couple appeared to have been dead for “quite a while” before their discovery, with Arakawa’s body showing signs of decomposition and mummification in her hands and feet. Hackman was found in a mudroom, while Arakawa was discovered in a bathroom with a portable heater nearby. A prescription bottle and scattered pills were also found near her body.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office stated that while there were no immediate signs of injury or foul play, the circumstances were “suspicious enough” to warrant a thorough investigation. A search warrant revealed that the front door of the property was open when authorities arrived, but there was no evidence of forced entry or disturbance inside the home. Two other dogs were found alive on the property.
Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner known for roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven, and Arakawa, whom he married in 1991, had been living a quiet life in New Mexico after Hackman retired from acting in 2004. Authorities have not ruled out any potential causes of death, including foul play, accidental poisoning, or natural causes, and are awaiting the results of toxicology and carbon monoxide tests. The investigation remains ongoing.
Gene Hackman: Death of actor and wife 'suspicious enough' for investigation, police say
Authorities say there was no sign the couple had sustained any injuries, but no cause of death has been given.
www.bbc.com
Gene Hackman's Wife Betsy Arakawa's Body Had Signs of 'Mummification' When It Was Discovered
The body of Betsy Arakawa, wife to actor Gene Hackman, was found with signs of mummification, a search warrant states. She and her husband were found
people.com
Sheriff Says Gene Hackman & Wife Betsy Were Dead for At Least a Day
The Santa Fe County Sheriff says he's not ruling anything out in the deaths of iconic actor Gene Hackman, his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog -- an
www.tmz.com
Gene Hackman and wife were 'deceased for quite a while' before bodies were discovered as deaths called 'suspicious'
The sheriff said there were no obvious signs of foul play, but authorities aren't ruling anything out as the investigation continues.
www.nbcnews.com
Gene Hackman’s daughter suspects he and wife died of carbon monoxide poisoning
Police discovered the bodies of Hackman, 95, and 65-year-old classical pianist Betsy Arakawa on Wednesday afternoon.
nypost.com
Eighty-one Years. Seventy-nine Movies. Two Oscars. Not One Bad Performance.
We haven't seen Gene Hackman on-screen in a while, but we damn sure haven't forgotten him.
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