Investigators in Santa Fe, New Mexico, continue to search for answers after Gene Hackman, an Oscar-winning actor with a six-decade-long film career, and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were found dead at their home under suspicious circumstances. A maintenance worker discovered the couple’s bodies, along with one of their three dogs, all found dead. Although the front door was open, there were no signs of foul play, and authorities have cleared the scene of gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning concerns. However, the sheriff’s office sought a search warrant, suggesting the scene was odd enough to warrant further investigation.
Hackman, aged 95, appeared to have fallen in an entryway, with a nearby cane as evidence. Arakawa, 65, was found in an upstairs bathroom with an open prescription bottle and scattered pills. The dead German shepherd was discovered in a bathroom closet. The sheriff office has clarified that no indications of a struggle were present, and nothing seemed to be missing or disturbed within the house. Furthermore, other dogs were found alive and able to move in and out freely, indicating no sign of a forced entry or violent disturbance.
The last contact with the couple is currently under investigation. Based on an affidavit, Hackman and Arakawa seemed to have fallen suddenly, with no signs of blunt-force trauma. The authorities were alerted by a pest control worker who encountered the open door but couldn’t reach the couple. A distressed caller informed 911 that they had spotted someone lying face down, but couldn’t enter the house.
Hackman, described as a former Marine with a distinctive raspy voice, had appeared in over 80 films. He earned his first Oscar nomination for his role in Bonnie and Clyde in 1967 and went on to win the Best Actor Academy Award for his portrayal of Popeye Doyle in The French Connection. He also earned a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in Unforgiven and was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in Mississippi Burning.
Since the 1980s, Hackman resided near Santa Fe, a city known for its vibrant art and cultural scene. Between 1997 and 2004, he served on the board of trustees for the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and admired the town’s exciting and spirited atmosphere. His daughters and grandchildren expressed their deep grief and-noiceable love for their “Dad and Grandpa.”
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/28/gene-hackman-wife-death-investigation
