Police Call Gene Hackman and Wife's Deaths 'Suspicious Enough' to Initiate Investigation

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday afternoon, with authorities indicating they might have been deceased for some time. Hackman, 95, was located in a side room near the kitchen, while his wife, 65-year-old classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, was discovered in a bathroom.

Though no signs of injury were evident, officials described the circumstances as "suspicious enough" to warrant an investigation, leaving open the possibility of foul play. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

Hackman enjoyed a distinguished career, winning two Academy Awards for his performances in The French Connection and Unforgiven. In a statement to the BBC, three of Hackman's children from a previous marriage confirmed the deaths, expressing their grief: "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," said Elizabeth, Leslie, and Annie Hackman.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office has confirmed the deaths.

"On February 26, 2025, at around 1:45 PM, Santa Fe County Sheriff's deputies responded to a location on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park, where Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and a dog were discovered deceased," stated the office. During a news conference on Thursday afternoon, Sheriff Adan Mendoza remarked: "It sounds like they had been deceased for quite a while, and I don't want to guess in reference to how long that was."

Adding, "There was no immediate sign of foul play. Haven't ruled that out yet. This is an investigation, so we're keeping everything on the table."

A detective from the sheriff's office who was at the scene indicated that they suspected the couple had been deceased for a while due to Ms. Arakawa's "decomposition" and "mummification" of her hands and feet."

The male decedent also showed obvious signs of death, similar and consistent with the female decedent," stated the search warrant.

Adjacent to Ms. Arakawa's head was a portable heater, which the detective indicated might have been brought down when she suddenly collapsed.

Authorities report that they have requested carbon monoxide and toxicology tests for both Hackman and his wife, noting that a cause of death has not yet been established as they await the autopsy results.

A prescription bottle and scattered pills were found on the bathroom countertop near her body. Additionally, the couple’s German Shepherd dog was discovered deceased in a bathroom closet close to Ms. Arakawa.

Hackman was found clad in grey tracksuit bottoms, a blue long-sleeve T-shirt, and brown slippers, with sunglasses and a walking cane lying next to him. The detective speculated that the actor may have experienced a sudden fall.

According to the search warrant, the circumstances surrounding the death were "suspicious enough to warrant a comprehensive search and investigation" because the person who alerted emergency services reported that the front door was open. However, the detective noted no signs of forced entry into the residence. Everything appeared to be in order inside, with no evidence of belongings being disturbed or stolen.

Two other healthy dogs were found wandering the property—one indoors and another outdoors.

The couple's 2,300 sq ft ranch-style home, located in a gated community, was appraised at approximately $1 million, as per tax records.

Local utility officials responded and found no evidence of a gas leak in the vicinity. The fire department also reported no signs of carbon monoxide leakage or poisoning, according to the search warrant.

At the scene, the detective spoke with two maintenance workers, one of whom had made the emergency call. The workers mentioned that they occasionally performed routine tasks at the property but rarely encountered the couple in person. They reported that their communication with the couple primarily occurred via phone and text, mostly with Ms. Arakawa.

The two workers reported that their last interaction with the couple occurred two weeks ago.

A recording of the 911 call, acquired by the BBC, features the distraught caller telling a dispatcher about the discovery of the two bodies.

"They're not moving," he states in the audio. "Just send someone out here quickly."

The caller, who was outside the property looking in through a window, can be heard repeatedly exclaiming "damn."

Hackman first met Ms. Arakawa while she was working part-time at a gym in California during the mid-1980s, as reported by the New York Times.

He received the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in the 1971 thriller The French Connection, and again for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood's Western film Unforgiven in 1992.