Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, were found dead in their New Mexico home on Wednesday. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office is treating their deaths as “suspicious enough in nature” to warrant a thorough investigation. While no immediate signs of foul play were found, officials are keeping all possibilities open.
Discovery of the Bodies
The couple’s bodies were discovered Wednesday afternoon after a maintenance worker noticed their home’s door open and alerted neighborhood security. Upon checking, security personnel saw Hackman and Arakawa unresponsive through a window and called 911.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza emphasized that finding two deceased individuals inside a residence is unusual and concerning. When deputies arrived, they found the door unsecured and open, but no signs of forced entry or burglary.
Where Were Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Found?
The investigation report states:
- Gene Hackman was found in a mudroom.
- Betsy Arakawa was found in a bathroom.
- A deceased German Shepherd was discovered inside a closet in the bathroom.
- Two other healthy dogs were found on the property.
The presence of a space heater near Arakawa, along with an open prescription bottle and pills on a nearby countertop, has raised further questions.
Sheriff Mendoza noted that both bodies showed signs of decomposition, indicating they had likely been dead for some time before being discovered.
What Could Have Caused Their Deaths?
Authorities have ruled out a gas leak as a potential cause.
- The Santa Fe City Fire Department tested for carbon monoxide poisoning but found no traces.
- The New Mexico Gas Company also checked for issues with the gas lines but reported no leaks or malfunctions.
At this stage, the cause of death remains unknown and will be determined by a medical examiner.
Is Foul Play Involved?
Sheriff Mendoza stated:
“There was no immediate sign of foul play, but we are keeping everything on the table.”
Although there were no signs of forced entry or external trauma, authorities are conducting a full investigation to rule out any suspicious circumstances.
Remembering Gene Hackman
Gene Hackman was a two-time Academy Award winner and one of Hollywood’s most respected actors. His iconic roles include:
- “The French Connection” (1971) – Academy Award for Best Actor
- “Unforgiven” (1992) – Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor
- “The Conversation” (1974)
- “Superman” (1978) – Portrayed Lex Luthor
After retiring from acting in 2004, Hackman lived a quiet life in New Mexico with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist.
Family’s Statement
Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie Hackman, and granddaughter Annie Hackman, released a heartfelt statement:
“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 around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”
Investigation Continues
Authorities are awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of death. The sheriff’s office has assured the public that they are conducting a thorough and careful investigation.
As Hollywood mourns the loss of an acting legend, many questions remain. What happened inside their home? Was it a tragic accident, or is something more at play? Investigators hope to uncover the truth in the coming days.
