Two-time Academy Award winner Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, spent more than three decades together, embracing a quiet life away from Hollywood’s spotlight. Their sudden deaths have left many unanswered questions, sparking an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding their passing.
The legendary actor and his wife were found deceased inside their Santa Fe home on February 26, 2025. For years, they had valued privacy and simplicity, but their deaths have now placed them at the center of a growing inquiry.
Born Eugene Allen Hackman on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, Gene Hackman carved out a legacy as one of Hollywood’s most respected actors. Before stepping into the world of cinema, he served in the U.S. Marines, later pursuing an acting career that led to his breakthrough role as Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde (1967). His performance in The French Connection (1971) won him an Academy Award for Best Actor, cementing his place in film history. Hackman’s extensive filmography included The Poseidon
Adventure (1972), Young Frankenstein (1974), Superman (1978), Unforgiven (1992), and Crimson Tide (1995). His ability to seamlessly transition between drama, comedy, and action made him a household name for decades.
Alongside his illustrious career, Gene Hackman shared his life with his wife, Betsy Arakawa. Born on December 15, 1959, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Betsy was known for her appearances on Card Sharks and at high-profile award shows, including the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards. The couple chose a life of seclusion in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they lived until their recent passing.
Initial autopsy findings revealed no external trauma to either individual, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. The couple was discovered in their New Mexico home, along with their deceased dog. While authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of their deaths, autopsy and toxicology reports are pending. Carbon monoxide and toxicology tests were requested to rule out potential environmental factors.
Although foul play is not currently suspected, investigators have not ruled it out entirely. According to a search warrant affidavit, the circumstances were deemed suspicious enough to warrant a detailed search and examination. Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that no signs of forced entry, struggle, or theft were evident at the scene. However, the couple appeared to have been deceased for several days before being found.
Betsy Arakawa was discovered in a bathroom, lying on the ground near an open bottle of prescription pills. A space heater was found nearby, and their dog was located dead inside the bathroom closet. Gene Hackman’s body was found in another room near the kitchen, leading investigators to believe he may have collapsed suddenly.
The discovery was first made by a caretaker, who placed a 911 call shortly before 2 p.m. local time on February 26. The caller, visibly distressed, reported seeing two unresponsive people through a window but was unable to enter the house. Investigators found the front door open and unsecured, with no immediate evidence of carbon monoxide or natural gas leaks.
The search warrant allowed law enforcement to look for combustible materials, controlled substances, weapons, and other potential evidence. The final medical examiner’s reports are expected to take four to six weeks, as authorities carefully document all findings before reaching conclusions.
Investigators noted visible signs of decomposition, including facial bloating and mummification of the hands and feet, suggesting that the couple had been dead for an extended period before being discovered. Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya stated that mummification typically begins more than two weeks after death, raising further questions about the timeline of events.
Forensic pathologist Judy Melinek explained that investigators would need to examine key details—such as the last time the couple received mail or communicated with friends or family—to establish a clearer picture of their final days. Additionally, data retrieved from Gene Hackman’s pacemaker indicated his “last event” occurred on February 17, suggesting he may have died nine days before his body was found.
As part of the investigation, authorities removed several personal items from the home, including two green cell phones, a 2025 monthly planner, and three medications: a thyroid medication, Diltiazem (commonly used to treat high blood pressure), and Tylenol. Investigators also retrieved medical records from MyQuest, a diagnostic service.
After a remarkable career spanning over four decades, Gene Hackman stepped away from acting, officially announcing his retirement in a 2008 interview. While he admitted missing the craft, he noted that the stress of the industry had become overwhelming. Instead, he shifted his focus to writing, partnering with his friend and neighbor Daniel Lenihan to co-author a series of historical adventure novels, including Wake of the Perdido Star (1999) and Justice for None (2004).
Even in retirement, Hackman embraced an active lifestyle in Santa Fe. Into his 80s, he was often seen riding an e-bike around town. Both he and Betsy were licensed pilots, frequently taking to the skies in their Pitts Special planes.
In his final years, Hackman’s health reportedly declined. Longtime friends Daniel and Barbara Lenihan, along with their son Aaron, shared in an interview that the actor had become “essentially kind of home-bound.” Betsy Arakawa, however, remained in good health and took measures to keep her husband engaged, arranging daily puzzles and Zoom yoga sessions for him.
Despite their reclusive lifestyle, Hackman and Arakawa were deeply connected to each other and their close circle of friends. The couple had been married since 1991 and had lived a quiet, fulfilling life in their Santa Fe home.
Following news of their passing, conspiracy theories began circulating online. Actor Randy Quaid speculated that the couple was murdered, posting on social media, “Gene Hackman and his wife are murder victims, some [expletive] did it and staged it. Stop talking about the films he is in, this is how they get away with murdering famous people!” Quaid also suggested that Hackman’s death bore similarities to those of other celebrities who died under mysterious circumstances.
Despite such claims, investigators have not found evidence of foul play. The final autopsy and toxicology reports are expected to provide more definitive answers regarding the cause of their deaths.
Gene Hackman’s passing marks the end of an era for Hollywood. A legend on screen and a private figure in his later years, he leaves behind a legacy that spans film, literature, and an undeniable impact on those who admired his work. His life with Betsy Arakawa was one of love and companionship, a quiet existence away from the glitz of fame, now forever enshrined in Hollywood history.
