Gene Hackman and Wife Found Dead in Santa Fe Home Under Unclear Circumstances

The 95-year-old Oscar-winning actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered deceased alongside their dog; authorities are investigating but have ruled out foul play.

Gene Hackman, a two-time Oscar-winning actor, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, residence on February 26, 2025.
The couple's deaths are being treated as 'sufficiently suspicious' to warrant an investigation, but no evidence of criminal activity or carbon monoxide poisoning has been identified so far.
Hackman, 95, was discovered in a mudroom near the kitchen, fully dressed, while Arakawa, 63, was found in the bathroom with scattered pills nearby; one of their three dogs was also found deceased.
Preliminary findings suggest Hackman may have died on February 17, based on pacemaker data, but toxicology reports and autopsies are pending for further clarity.
Hackman, celebrated for iconic roles in films like 'French Connection' and 'Unforgiven,' had retired from acting in 2008 and spent his later years in Santa Fe with his wife of over 30 years.