Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been found dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The couple’s sudden deaths have shocked Hollywood and sparked an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
On Wednesday afternoon, the couple was discovered by the property’s maintenance staff, who immediately alerted authorities.
"No, they’re not moving. Send someone out here as soon as possible," an emergency caller said, according to CNN.
When police arrived at the home, they found Betsy Arakawa lifeless on the bathroom floor next to an open medicine bottle and scattered pills. Gene Hackman was discovered near the kitchen, with his cane and sunglasses beside him.
In another room, officers found a deceased German Shepherd inside a crate, while two other dogs on the property were found alive and rescued.
No Signs of Foul Play
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of death, but an autopsy revealed the couple had been dead for at least two weeks.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said forensic experts are working to reconstruct the timeline.
“We are trying to piece together the events backward—from the autopsy results to the moment of death,” Mendoza explained.
However, forensic specialists note that determining an exact time of death is nearly impossible, even with a thorough examination.
Friends Recall the Couple’s Final Days
Close friends Daniel and Barbara Lenihan told reporters that they last saw Hackman and Arakawa in good health.
“The last time we saw them, they were healthy and strong,” said Daniel Lenihan.
Barbara Lenihan emphasized Betsy Arakawa’s devotion to Hackman’s well-being, ensuring he maintained a healthy lifestyle, which included cycling and yoga until about a year ago.
“They were such a joy to be around. I’ve never met a couple who enjoyed each other’s company as much as they did,” she added.
Although the deaths are classified as "suspicious," authorities have found no evidence of foul play.
“Based on the lack of evidence, I’m fairly certain this isn’t a crime. But we’re not ruling anything out yet,” Mendoza told NBC.
Firefighters confirmed there were no signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, and a gas inspection found no leaks in the home.
Hollywood Mourns a Legend
Gene Hackman, one of Hollywood’s iconic actors, had lived a quiet and reclusive life in Santa Fe for years.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham paid tribute to him on social media: “For decades, Gene chose Santa Fe as his home, living as a humble and friendly part of our community. We were all proud to call him our neighbor.”
His passing comes just days before the Academy Awards, where he will now be honored. According to a source, his name will be featured in the ‘In Memoriam’ segment, and there may be a special tribute from the ceremony’s host, Conan O’Brien.
Hackman’s family released a statement mourning the loss of a beloved father, grandfather, and Hollywood legend: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy. He was loved and admired by millions for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just a father and grandfather. We will miss him deeply.”
