Gene Hackman and Wife Found Dead: A Mystery in Santa Fe
Legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, under what police are calling “suspicious circumstances.” The discovery, made by maintenance workers, has left the film world and the quiet community of Santa Fe in shock.
What We Know:
- The Scene: Hackman, 95, was found in the mudroom, seemingly having fallen, with his sunglasses and cane nearby. Arakawa, 65, was discovered in a bathroom next to a fallen space heater, surrounded by pills and an open prescription bottle. One of their three dogs, a German Shepherd, was found dead in a bathroom closet.
- Suspicious Circumstances: The front door was unsecured, and the couple had not been in contact with anyone for two weeks. The advanced state of decomposition suggests they had been deceased for a significant period. While there were no obvious signs of foul play, police have not ruled it out.
- Cause of Death Unknown: The cause of death remains a mystery. Hackman’s daughter suggested carbon monoxide poisoning as a possibility, but investigators found no evidence of a gas leak. Autopsies are expected to shed more light on the cause of death.
Remembering Gene Hackman:
Gene Hackman was a giant of cinema, known for his captivating performances in films like The French Connection, Unforgiven, and The Conversation. He was a five-time Oscar nominee and two-time winner, revered for his versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters. Hackman retired from acting in the early 2000s and maintained a low profile in recent years.
Remembering Betsy Arakawa:
Betsy Arakawa was a classically trained concert pianist and co-founder of a home furniture business in Santa Fe. She and Hackman met in the mid-1980s and were married for over 30 years.
The Investigation Continues:
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the deaths, and the autopsy results are eagerly anticipated. The circumstances surrounding their passing remain unclear, and the community awaits answers as to what transpired in the couple’s Santa Fe home.
