Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa Found Dead in New Mexico Home: Investigation Underway
On February 26, 2025, legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home alongside their dog. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths, which have been described as “suspicious.”
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the deaths in a statement to The Santa Fe New Mexican, as reported by The Guardian: “We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased on Wednesday.” Hackman was 95 years old, and Arakawa was 63.
Initially, authorities stated that foul play was not suspected. However, the scene raised enough concerns to warrant a thorough investigation. According to a search warrant, the front door was found open and unlocked, and two of the couple’s three dogs were discovered alive and roaming the property. A third dog was found dead near Arakawa.
Hackman was discovered in the home’s mudroom, fully clothed with his sunglasses nearby, while Arakawa was found in a bathroom next to a space heater. An open prescription bottle and scattered pills were also found on the countertop near her. Firefighters were called to the scene but found no evidence of a gas leak.
The bodies, described as “partially mummified” by The Daily Mail, were not formally identified until early Thursday morning. Preliminary findings from a medical examination revealed no external trauma, leaving the exact cause of death undetermined.
A Look at Their Relationship
Hackman and Arakawa had been married since 1991 after meeting in the mid-1980s. Arakawa, a classical pianist, was working at a California fitness center when they first connected. Hackman had previously been married to Faye Maltese from 1956 to 1986, with whom he had three children: Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie. Hackman and Arakawa did not have children together.
The couple had lived a quiet life in their Santa Fe home since 1990, away from the public eye. Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, retired from acting in 2004, while Arakawa remained a supportive partner throughout their decades-long marriage.
As the investigation continues, the public mourns the loss of the iconic actor and his wife. Further updates are expected as authorities work to uncover the truth behind their tragic deaths.
