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Gene Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been married for almost thirty years, leading a tranquil existence away from the spotlight of Hollywood. An continuing investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths has been prompted by the numerous unresolved concerns raised by their abrupt deaths.

On February 26, 2025, the renowned actor and his spouse were discovered dead inside their Santa Fe residence. They had long cherished simplicity and seclusion, but now that they had passed away, they are at the focus of an expanding investigation.

Gene Hackman, who was born Eugene Allen Hackman in San Bernardino, California, on January 30, 1930, established himself as one of the most renowned performers in Hollywood. He served in the U.S. Marines before entering the film industry. He then pursued an acting career, landing his breakout performance as Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde (1967). His legacy in cinema was cemented when he received the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal in The French Connection (1971). Among Hackman’s many films were Crimson Tide (1995), Young Frankenstein (1974), Superman (1978), Unforgiven (1992), and The Poseidon Adventure (1972). He was a household name for decades because of his ability to switch between humor, action, and drama with ease.

In addition to his distinguished career, Gene Hackman lived with his spouse, Betsy Arakawa. Betsy, who was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on December 15, 1959, gained notoriety for her participation in Card Sharks and at prestigious award ceremonies including the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes. The couple settled in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they had a solitary life until their recent death.

According to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, the initial autopsy results showed that neither person had experienced any exterior injuries. The couple and their dead dog were found in their New Mexico home. Although autopsy and toxicology tests are still pending, investigators have not yet identified the precise cause of their deaths. Tests for toxicity and carbon monoxide were ordered in order to rule out possible environmental influences.

Investigators have not completely ruled out foul play, even though it is not officially suspected. The facts were considered suspicious enough to justify a thorough search and examination, per a search warrant affidavit. Sheriff Adan Mendoza attested that there were no indications of theft, struggle, or forced entry at the location. But before they were discovered, the couple seemed to have been dead for a few days.

Betsy Arakawa was found laying on the floor next to an open bottle of prescription medication in a restroom. Their dog was discovered dead in the bathroom closet, and a space heater was discovered close by. Because Gene Hackman’s body was discovered in a different area next to the kitchen, detectives surmised that he might have passed out unexpectedly.

On February 26, just before 2:00 p.m. local time, a caregiver made the initial discovery by calling 911. Despite being unable to enter the house, the caller, who was clearly upset, claimed to have seen two unresponsive individuals through a window. There was no apparent indication of any natural gas or carbon monoxide leakage when investigators discovered the front door open and unlocked.

Law enforcement was able to search for guns, restricted narcotics, flammable items, and other possible evidence thanks to the search warrant. Four to six weeks are anticipated for the final medical examiner’s reports, as authorities meticulously record every discovery before drawing any conclusions.

The pair may have been deceased for a long time before being found since investigators saw obvious symptoms of decomposition, such as bloating of the face and mummification of the hands and feet. The timing of events is further complicated by the fact that mummification usually starts more than two weeks after death, according to Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya.

Judy Melinek, a forensic pathologist, indicated that in order to paint a more complete picture of the couple’s last days, investigators would need to look at important information, such when they last received mail or spoke with friends or relatives. Gene Hackman may have passed away nine days before to the discovery of his body, as evidenced by data taken from his pacemaker, which also showed that his “last event” happened on February 17.

Authorities seized a number of personal belongings from the residence as part of the inquiry, including three prescription drugs: Tylenol, Diltiazem (a drug used to treat high blood pressure), a thyroid medication, and two green cell phones. They also took out a 2025 monthly planner. Additionally, investigators obtained medical records from the diagnostic service MyQuest.

In an interview conducted in 2008, Gene Hackman formally announced his retirement from acting after an incredible career spanning more than 40 years. He acknowledged that he missed the craft, but he also said that the industry’s burden had gotten to be too much. He turned his attention to writing instead, and he and his neighbor and friend Daniel Lenihan co-wrote a number of historical adventure books, such as Wake of the Perdido Star (1999) and Justice for None (2004).

Hackman maintained an active lifestyle in Santa Fe even after retiring. He was frequently spotted riding an e-bike throughout town well into his 80s. He and Betsy were both licensed pilots and often flew their Pitts Special aircraft.

According to reports, Hackman’s health deteriorated throughout his last years. The actor had become “essentially kind of home-bound,” according to an interview with longtime friends Daniel and Barbara Lenihan and their son Aaron. However, Betsy Arakawa maintained her health and made an effort to keep her husband interested by setting up regular puzzles and Zoom yoga sessions.

Even though Hackman and Arakawa had a solitary existence, they had strong bonds with one another and their close friends. In their Santa Fe home, the pair had led a peaceful and contented existence since getting married in 1991.

Online conspiracy ideas started to circulate after their death. “Gene Hackman and his wife are murder victims, some [expletive] did it and staged it,” actor Randy Quaid wrote on social media, speculating that the couple had been murdered. Quit discussing the movies he appears in; this is how they get away with killing well-known people! Quaid said that Hackman’s passing was comparable to that of other well-known people who passed away inexplicably.

Investigators have not discovered any proof of foul play in spite of these allegations. More conclusive answers on the cause of their deaths should be revealed by the final toxicology and autopsy results.

With Gene Hackman’s death, a chapter in Hollywood history comes to a close. He leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond literature and film, as well as an indisputable influence on those who appreciated his work. He was a private man in his senior years and a legend on screen. His tranquil life away from the spotlight, which is now permanently recorded in Hollywood history, was filled with love and friendship with Betsy Arakawa.