Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Found Deceased at Their Santa Fe Home
On Wednesday, the bodies of Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were discovered at their residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office reported that there was “no external trauma” observed on the bodies, but an investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths is ongoing.
The caregiver who placed the 911 call from Hackman’s estate has provided a recording to CNN. The call was made shortly before 2 PM, as the caregiver reported finding both Hackman and Arakawa unresponsive.
In a statement to People Magazine, Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, along with granddaughter Annie, expressed their heartbreak: “We are devastated by the loss of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy. To the world, he was a beloved actor, but to us, he was Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him dearly.”
Upon arrival, law enforcement found scattered pills near Arakawa’s body on the bathroom floor, with an open bottle of prescription medication on the countertop. A space heater was positioned nearby, and one of the couple’s dogs was found deceased in a bathroom closet. Hackman was located in another room near the kitchen, unresponsive on the ground. Detectives noted there were no signs of forced entry or theft.
While two other dogs found within the home were alive, the sheriff’s office stated that “foul play is not suspected at this time.” However, a Thursday statement reaffirmed that the investigation remains open. According to TMZ, a Santa Fe officer deemed the situation suspicious enough to secure a search warrant, especially in light of the unsecured front door.
The sheriff’s office is awaiting results from autopsies and toxicology tests for both individuals. Sheriff Adan Mendoza emphasized the importance of these tests, stating there were “no obvious signs of foul play.” He also mentioned that both Hackman and Arakawa appeared to have died some time ago.
The 911 call revealed the caregiver’s distress as they alerted the dispatcher to two unresponsive individuals visible through a window. “They’re not moving,” the caller stated urgently.
Leslie Hackman, one of Gene’s daughters, did not rule out the possibility of a carbon monoxide leak being a factor, although the affidavit reported no signs of such an incident or plumbing issues. She described her father’s passing as a mystery, asserting there were no prior indications of trouble. “Despite his age, he was in excellent physical condition,” Leslie noted, adding he had not undergone major medical procedures in months and actively practiced Pilates and yoga.
Although the family is mourning Gene’s death, Leslie acknowledged that his age makes the tragedy somewhat less shocking. “We were close, but I hadn’t seen him in a few months. Everything was fine,” she commented.
Gene Hackman, born on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, rose to fame with an illustrious acting career. After joining the Marines and suffering a serious motorbike accident, he pursued acting, studying at the Pasadena Playhouse College of Theatre Arts. Hackman’s breakthrough role came in the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde, followed by numerous accolades, including an Oscar for The French Connection in 1972 and another for Unforgiven in 1993. He remains cherished in cinematic history for his performances in classics like Hoosiers and The Royal Tenenbaums.
Hackman’s first marriage was to Faye Maltese, with whom he had three children before divorcing in 1986. He married Betsy Arakawa in 1991, and their relationship was noted for its strength and mutual support. Leslie praised Betsy for her dedicated care of Gene, stating, “Their marriage was wonderful, and I’m heartbroken by her loss.”
Following news of Hackman’s passing, numerous Hollywood figures, including Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman, publicly paid tribute. Eastwood expressed, “There was no finer actor than Gene. He was a good friend, and I will miss him.” Freeman fondly recalled their collaboration and remarked, “Rest easy, friend.”
As the investigation continues, the legacy of both Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa will undoubtedly resonate within the hearts of many.
Rest in Peace, Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa. Your contributions will be remembered.
