Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26, 2025. The couple lived quietly in an estimated $1 million ranch-style house. A maintenance worker discovered their bodies after noticing the front door open and called 911 immediately. Authorities reported no signs of injury but deemed the deaths “suspicious enough” to investigate.
Gene Hackman and Wife Discovered Dead After 911 Call
A maintenance worker called 911 at 1:45 p.m. after seeing bodies inside the home. “No, they’re not moving,” the caller told dispatchers. “Just send somebody out here really quick.” When the police arrived, they found Gene in a side room near the kitchen. Hackman wore gray sweatpants, a blue shirt, and slippers. Nearby, a walking cane and sunglasses lay on the floor. Meanwhile, authorities discovered Arakawa’s body in the bathroom. Positioned close to her head was a portable heater. Additionally, a prescription bottle and scattered pills sat on the bathroom countertop near her body.
The couple’s German Shepherd dog, Zinna, was also found dead in a bathroom closet near to Ms Arakawa. Two other, healthy dogs were discovered roaming the property – one inside and one outside. A necropsy is being conducted to determine the cause of the dog’s death.
A sheriff’s detective who responded to the scene said that they believed the couple had been dead for some time because of Ms Arakawa’s “decomposition” and “mummification” in the hands and feet. “The male decedent also showed obvious signs of death, similar and consistent with the female decedent,” said the search warrant.
Circumstances Surrounding Their Deaths
Police thoroughly searched the home but found no signs of forced entry or disturbance. Additionally, nothing appeared stolen or out of place. Furthermore, investigators discovered prescription medications near Betsy’s body. Despite these findings, early autopsy results revealed no external trauma. Data from Gene’s pacemaker indicated his heart stopped on February 17, suggesting they had been deceased for several days before discovery.
Authorities consider the scene “suspicious enough” to warrant a full investigation. As a result, they have requested carbon monoxide and toxicology tests for both bodies. Meanwhile, local utility crews and the fire department have already inspected the home but found no evidence of a gas leak. Maintenance workers last spoke with the couple two weeks before the discovery. This gap leaves us wondering what happened during those days.
Key clues that confuse investigators:
– A portable heater near Arakawa’s body.
– Scattered pills on the bathroom counter.
– No gas leaks or carbon monoxide issues in the home.
What Happened to Gene Hackman and His Wife?
In his final years, Gene Hackman, 95, battled Alzheimer’s disease and grew increasingly reclusive. During this time, his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, devoted herself as his primary caregiver. Tragically, Betsy contracted a rare virus and passed away. Following this loss, the Oscar-winning actor died of natural causes approximately one week later.
A New Mexico medical investigator said Hackman died from coronary artery disease. His advanced Alzheimer’s may have prevented him from realizing that his wife had died in their home days earlier. Arakawa, 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a serious respiratory illness caused by exposure to infected rodents. People last saw her on February 11 when she went to a farmers market, a pharmacy, and a pet store. She returned home in the early evening. Data from Hackman’s pacemaker suggests he died on 18 February.
Hackman’s three children from his previous marriage confirmed their father’s and Ms. Arakawa’s deaths in a statement to the BBC. “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,” Elizabeth, Leslie and Christopher Hackman said.
Gene Hackman: From Marine to Hollywood Legend
Hackman’s career spanned over four decades, cementing him as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors. Born in 1930, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps before turning to acting. His breakout role as Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde (1967) earned him an Oscar nomination. He later won Best Actor for The French Connection (1971) and Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven (1992).
Fans remember him for iconic roles like Lex Luthor in Superman (1978), Royal Tenenbaum in The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), and Coach Norman Dale in Hoosiers (1986). Hackman retired in 2004, telling reporters he’d “said everything [he] wanted to say as an actor.” He spent his final years writing historical novels and enjoying solitude and a quiet life with his second wife, Betsy Arakawa, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The couple has guarded their privacy fiercely, with no social media presence or public updates.
Betsy Arakawa built her life through music and business. She began her career as a classical pianist and performed with the Honolulu Symphony as a child. Later, she co-founded a home furnishings business in Santa Fe. Over time, her quiet strength and numerous accomplishments gradually earned her deep respect in the community. Years later, the couple first crossed paths at a California gym in the mid-1980s and eventually married in 1991.
Gene Hackman’s Death Teaches Safety Lessons
What will we do today to make our homes safer? Let us commit to regular checks and proactive measures that protect our families. Their lives remind us that every small action counts when it comes to safety.
This tragedy reminds us to:
1. Lock doors daily.
2. Test smoke alarms monthly.
3. Ask friends to check on loved ones.
A quick call could save lives. Small steps today prevent tragedies tomorrow.
Gene Hackman’s legacy will live on through his unforgettable performances. His tragic passing reminds us to cherish our loved ones and prioritize safety. What are your favorite memories of his work? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
