A quiet Santa Fe neighborhood has become the center of a chilling investigation, as authorities probe the sudden and unexplained deaths of Hollywood icon Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
Legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead inside their Santa Fe home, with police now classifying their deaths as suspicious.
Authorities are actively investigating the puzzling circumstances, which also involved the death of one of the couple’s dogs.
Betsy Arakawa and actor Gene Hackman, attend the Thalians Ball (in honor of Liza Minnelli) at the Century Plaza Hotel, Century City, California, on October 8, 1994 | Source: Getty Images
According to TMZ, the bodies were found by two maintenance workers who reported that they had not seen them for approximately two weeks. When the workers arrived and discovered the bodies, they noticed that the front door was ajar. However, authorities stated that there were no signs of forced entry.
A search warrant obtained by TMZ revealed that a Santa Fe detective, in an affidavit, stated that he believed “the death of the two deceased individuals to be suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation because the reporting party found the front door of the residence unsecured and opened.”
Betsy Arakawa and actor Gene Hackman attend the ‘Actors as Artists’ charity benefit at Tripp’s Club, Century City, California, on November 9, 1992 | Source: Getty Images
The affidavit revealed several troubling details. Deputies found a healthy dog running loose outside, while another healthy dog was near Ms. Arakawa’s body. A third dog was discovered deceased 10 to 15 feet away inside a bathroom closet.
Investigators also noted that a heater had been moved, a pill bottle was open with pills scattered near Ms. Arakawa, and Mr. Hackman’s body was found in a different room. Deputies observed no clear signs of a gas leak, according to the affidavit.
Ms. Arakawa was reportedly found in the bathroom, while Mr. Hackman was discovered lying in the mud room.
Both were in similar physical states when found. Mr. Hackman was wearing gray sweatpants, a blue long-sleeve T-shirt, and brown slippers, and he was found with a cane nearby.
A pair of sunglasses was also placed to his left, the affidavit said. One deputy noted that it appeared Mr. Hackman had “suddenly fallen.”
Gene Hackman is pictured during Sugar Ray Leonard Vs. Donny LaLonde Boxing Match, on November 7, 1988 at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza told The New York Times in a phone interview that no visible signs of trauma were found on either body.
Investigators also confirmed that no note was left at the scene. Sheriff Mendoza added that the search of the property was still ongoing as of Thursday, February 27, 2025.
The timeline of events remains unclear, but deputies believe the couple’s bodies had been in the home for at least a day before they were discovered.
Betsy Arakawa and actor Gene Hackman attend the Mission Hills Celebrity Sports Invitational, Rancho Mirage, California, on November 29, 1991 | Source: Getty Images
According to TMZ, Sheriff Mendoza has not ruled out any possibilities, stating that the deaths could be the result of a double homicide, a suicide, accidental causes, or natural causes.
As the investigation progresses, new information has surfaced about how the bodies were initially found.
According to AP News, a maintenance worker discovered the couple during a scheduled visit to the home on Wednesday, February 26.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa during 20th Annual People’s Choice Awards at Sony Studios in Culver City, California, on March 8, 1994 | Source: Getty Images
The worker reported that the front door was open when he arrived, which led him to contact law enforcement. However, during a 911 call, the worker said he was not able to enter the house at that time.
When the operator asked if the individuals inside were breathing, the worker replied, “I have no idea. I am not inside the house. It’s closed. It’s locked. I can’t go in. But I can see she’s laying [sic] down on the floor from the window.”
Betsy Arakawaand actor Gene Hackman, attend the 65th annual Academy Awards at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, on March 29, 1993 | Source: Getty Images
The maintenance worker and a second worker, who also spoke to authorities, stated they rarely saw the homeowners and had not had contact with them for about two weeks.
In the days following the discovery, authorities moved quickly to perform autopsies on both Hackman and Arakawa. The results provided the first glimpse into what may have led to their sudden deaths — and brought a new layer of clarity to the puzzling case.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa at the Mike Tyson vs. Michael Spinks fight, Trump Plaza, Atlantic City, June 27, 1988 | Source: Getty Images
Authorities have released initial autopsy findings after the sudden deaths of the Hollywood actor and his wife, revealing new details as the investigation continues.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office announced on their official Facebook page that after conducting examinations on February 27, 2025, investigators found no signs of foul play in the sudden deaths of actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa in West Hollywood, California, on September 5, 1986 | Source: Getty Images
While the cause of death remains unknown, investigators have ordered additional tests. Autopsies revealed no external trauma on either individual, prompting further examination.
They have requested carbon monoxide and toxicology tests, which could take weeks. The results may determine whether environmental factors or toxic substances played a role.
As reported earlier, the couple were found dead in their Santa Fe Summit home on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 26.
Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Denise Womack-Avila said that Sheriff deputies arrived at Hackman and Arakawa’s home on Old Sunset Trail to respond to a welfare check request at around 1:45 p.m.
Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman attend the 65th annual Academy Awards at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, on March 29, 1993 | Source: Getty Images
A welfare check, or wellness check, is a service provided by law enforcement to check on someone’s well-being when there are concerns for their safety. Officers visit the individual to confirm they are safe and not in distress.
Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman during The 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 19, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
The welfare check at Hackman and Arakawa’s home ended up with the police finding a couple and a dog dead. Santa Fe County Sheriff Mendoza confirmed just after midnight on Thursday that the two-time Oscar winner Hackman, his wife, and their dog had died.
Mendoza stated that there were no immediate signs of foul play but did not disclose a cause of death or estimate when the couple had passed.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend the Mission Hills Celebrity Sports Invitational in Rancho Mirage, California, on November 30, 1991 | Source: Getty Images
The sheriff has also notified the public that he and his team are in the middle of preliminary investigations as they wait on the approval of the search warrant.
He also assured the community of their safety, adding that they were in no imminent danger. Hackman, who had left the limelight, lived an adventurous life, experiencing a winding path before his Hollywood breakthrough.
He was 36 when he gained recognition in 1967’s “Bonnie and Clyde,” a role he landed after missing out on playing Mr. Robinson in “The Graduate.”
Warren Beatty as Clyde Barrow and Gene Hackman as Buck Barrow in the film “Bonnie and Clyde” in 1967 | Source: Getty Images
Before that, he served in the Marines, struggled to make ends meet in California and New York. At times he shared an apartment with roommates, one who was “Graduate” star Dustin Hoffman. Hackman also took on various jobs, including working as a truck driver and doorman.
Gene Hackman in 1970 | Source: Getty Images
After his Hollywood debut, Hackman starred in films like “The French Connection,” “Hoosiers,” “Unforgiven,” and “The Firm,” where his performances put him into the leading-man territory.
The actor, who often portrayed conflicted authority figures or cunning white-collar villains, brought depth and intensity to his roles.
Gene Hackman runs down the street in a scene from the film “French Connection II,” in 1975 | Source: Getty Images
His portrayal of Lex Luthor in the “Superman” films of the 1970s and 1980s remains one of his most recognizable performances. In this role, he showcased a mix of intelligence and menace.
Gene Hackman and Christopher Reeve in a scene from the Warner Bros movie “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace” circa 1987 | Source: Getty Images
Hackman’s talent earned him two Academy Awards. He won his first Oscar for playing relentless New York cop Popeye Doyle in 1971’s “The French Connection.” Doyle was a detective whose pursuit of justice came at a steep personal cost.
Gene Hackman at the 1993 Academy Awards | Source: Getty Images
In 1974’s “The Conversation,” he delivered a gripping performance as a surveillance expert whose obsession leads to paranoia.
Hackman’s second Oscar came in 1992 for his role as Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven.” Daggett was a ruthless sheriff enforcing the law with brutal authority.
Gene Hackman and Clint Eastwood attend 65th Annual Academy Awards at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California, on March 29, 1993 | Source: Getty Images
Aside from these films, Hackman took on a wide range of roles, portraying villains, heroes, and antiheroes across dramas, comedies, and action films from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s.
In an interview with Empire, he shared his reasons for retiring at 74. “The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a stress test that I took in New York.
The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress,” he divulged.
Gene Hackman with Betsy Arakawa at the United Celebral Palsy of New York City’s 15th annual Champagne Stakes at Etoile restaurant in 2000 | Source: Getty Images
Unlike many in Hollywood, he largely stayed out of the social spotlight after retiring, making only occasional appearances at award shows. His retirement remained permanent.
As for his personal life, Hackman met Arakawa in the mid-1980s while she was working part-time at a gym in California. The author and his wife soon moved in together and later settled in Santa Fe.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend a premiere of “The Chamber” at the Academy Theater, Beverly Hills, California, on October 2, 1996 | Source: Getty Images
They purchased a large Southwestern-style ranch in a gated community with scenic views of the Rocky Mountains. Their home is located off Hyde Park Road just north of Ten Thousand Waves.
Hackman was a familiar presence in town and served on the board of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum during the 1990s.
Gene Hackman signs a chair for a fan while also signing posters from his movie “The French Connection” at a Borders book store in Chicago, on April 28, 2000 | Source: Getty Images
In his later years, Hackman focused on writing novels. While he had three children from a previous marriage, he and Arakawa did not have children together.
In 1999, they adopted three German shepherds. The couple enjoyed watching films together, particularly smaller, independent productions.
Gene Hackman presents his book “Wake of the Perdido” at Barnes & Noble in New York, on November 4, 1999 | Source: Getty Images
Celebrities and fans have taken to social media to honor the late Hollywood icon. Oscar-winning director Francis Ford Coppola mourned the passing of the remarkable artist, noting that his death was both a moment of sorrow and a time to celebrate a legendary career.
“Gene Hackman a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution,” he added.
Meanwhile, filmmaker Edgar Wright reacted to the news of Hackman’s death, writing, “The greatest.” George Takei has also spoken out, calling Hackman, “one of the true giants of the screen.”
He added, “Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it. He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe. That’s how powerful an actor he was.”
Takei reflected on Hackman’s legacy and said that as much as his presence will be deeply missed, his impact on cinema will endure for generations to come.
