An investigation into the shocking deaths of iconic actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa has been launched.
According to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, the couple was found deceased at their residence in Santa Fe on Wednesday.
The “French Connection” star, aged 95, and Arakawa, 64, were discovered in separate areas of their New Mexico mansion, accompanied by their deceased German shepherd dog.
Law enforcement described it as “an active and ongoing investigation” while issuing a statement about the incident.
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Officers were dispatched around 1:45 p.m. Wednesday to an address along Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park, where the bodies of Hackman, Arakawa, and their pet were located, according to Denise Womack Avila, a public information officer for the sheriff’s department.
There were, however, “no indications” that any of the three had suffered gunshot wounds or other physical injuries, the office clarified.
“Foul play is not suspected as a factor in those deaths at this time; however, exact cause of death has not been determined,” the statement added.
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The formal identification of Hackman and his wife occurred early Thursday morning at approximately 12:30 a.m. local time.
Details in a search warrant filed by Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office detectives reveal Hackman’s body was found in a mudroom, while Arakawa was discovered in a bathroom near a portable heater. Nearby, prescription medication and scattered pills were seen on the countertop.
Their deceased dog was reportedly located in a bathroom closet not far from Arakawa. Interestingly, two other dogs, both healthy, were present at the residence.
Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth, speculated publicly on Thursday that a carbon monoxide leak could possibly be at the root of her father and stepmother’s deaths.
The New Mexico Gas Company is collaborating with local authorities on the matter. A spokesperson for the utility, Tim Korte, mentioned to The Associated Press that technicians had inspected gas lines in and around the property.
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Preliminary findings did not reveal any defects or hazards with the gas infrastructure at the time of discovery.
Exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning does not always leave physical signs, said a detective, who acknowledged there was “no apparent evidence” of a gas leak either.
Two maintenance workers shed some light on the events leading up to the discovery. One mentioned the couple’s front door had been open when he arrived for routine work, prompting him to contact authorities after stumbling upon the bodies.
Workers disclosed that they seldom interacted with the homeowners and last saw the couple nearly two weeks prior.
Witness accounts further indicated that the entrance door showed no signs of forced entry.
The loss of Gene Hackman sparked an outpouring of tributes and condolences from Hollywood luminaries.
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Director Francis Ford Coppola commemorated the late actor as “a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration.”
On Instagram, he reflected, “Gene Hackman a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity.”
Clint Eastwood told Deadline that “There was no finer actor than Gene. Intense and instinctive. Never a false note. He was also a dear friend whom I will miss very much.”
Tom Hanks wrote, “There has never been a “Gene Hackman Type.” There has only been Gene Hackman,” on Instagram.
Actor Josh Brolin also shared his grief, stating, “I am crushed by the sudden deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa (and their dog). Crushed. He was always one of my favorites. Not many who beat to their own drums like he did. Rest in Peace.”
Star Trek’s George Takei expressed his admiration, saying, “We have lost one of the true giants of the screen. Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it. He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe. That’s how powerful an actor he was. He will be missed, but his work will live on forever.”
We have lost one of the true giants of the screen. Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it. He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe. That’s how powerful an actor he was. He will be missed, but his work will live on… pic.twitter.com/OfmXVCG0jt
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) February 27, 2025
Gene Hackman’s illustrious career included five Oscar nominations, with notable awards for his performances in “The French Connection” (1972) and “Unforgiven” (1992).
Hackman remains immortalized in dozens of cinematic masterpieces, including “I Never Sang for My Father” (1970), “Mississippi Burning” (1988), and his memorable portrayal of Lex Luthor in both “Superman” (1978) and “Superman II” (1980).
Fans also recall his roles in blockbuster films such as “The Poseidon Adventure” (1972), “The Conversation” (1974), “A Bridge Too Far” (1977), and modern classics including “Enemy of the State” (1998) and “Runaway Jury” (2003).
His last film appearance came in “Welcome to Mooseport” (2004).
Beyond acting, Hackman ventured into the literary world, co-authoring historical fiction alongside archaeologist Daniel Lenihan.
Their works included “Wake of the Perdido Star” in 1999, with Hackman later penning solo novels such as “Payback at Morning Peak” (2011) and “Pursuit” (2013).
Hackman embraced a quieter, private life after withdrawing from Hollywood. Upon retiring, he and Arakawa, a classic pianist, relocated to New Mexico, leaving behind Los Angeles.
Hackman also fathered three children from his earlier marriage to Faye Maltese.