Authorities are investigating the deaths of actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, whose bodies were discovered in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on Wednesday, February 26. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unclear, with officials examining the details in hopes of uncovering more about what led to the tragedy.
Gene Hackman, the renowned actor known for his roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven, was found in the home’s mudroom, dressed in sweatpants, a long-sleeved T-shirt, and slippers. Nearby, a cane and a pair of sunglasses were found. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, whose maiden name was Arakawa, was discovered in the bathroom, where prescription pills were scattered across a countertop. Authorities have stated that both individuals appeared to have been dead for several days by the time they were found.
The couple had been married since 1991. Hackman, who retired from acting in the early 2000s, was living a private life with Arakawa in Santa Fe. The discovery of their deaths has left many questions unanswered. Local law enforcement officials have launched an investigation, but as of now, no foul play has been suspected.
Time of Death Still Uncertain
Sheriff Adan Mendoza of Santa Fe County indicated that Gene Hackman’s pacemaker, which had been implanted due to his history of heart disease, was last functioning on February 17—nine days before the couple was found dead. The pacemaker, which helps regulate the heart’s rhythm, could provide valuable clues about the timing of Hackman’s death. However, the exact time of death for both Gene and Betsy remains uncertain.
Dr. James Gill, Chief Medical Examiner at the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, spoke with People magazine and shared some insights about the situation. While he is not directly involved in the case, Gill suggested that a “companion suicide,” where two people die together by suicide, is unlikely. “In cases like that, they’re usually together in bed,” Gill explained. “The fact that they’re found in two separate locations suggests that’s less likely.”
Instead, Gill hypothesized that Hackman’s death may have been due to a natural cause, potentially related to his heart condition. “It seems like he may have collapsed. He had a history of heart disease and a pacemaker, so that wouldn’t be unusual,” he said. He also noted that Hackman was ambulatory and not bedridden, which would typically rule out scenarios in which someone, like a caregiver, dies and leaves a dependent person to die from dehydration or lack of care.
Gill pointed out that the circumstances of Betsy Hackman’s death remain more ambiguous, as no direct evidence has been found to determine exactly when she passed. It is unclear whether her death occurred before or after her husband’s, which complicates the investigation.
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Family Dog Found Dead
The deaths of the Hackmans were not the only grim discoveries made when authorities arrived at their home. A German shepherd, one of the couple’s dogs, was found dead in a kennel crate located in a closet near Betsy. Sheriff Mendoza suggested that the dog likely perished due to a lack of food and water, explaining that dogs typically survive for about a week without sustenance. In addition to the deceased dog, two other dogs were found alive and are now being cared for by a family friend.
Authorities were first alerted to the situation when a pest-control worker visited the Hackman residence. When the couple did not answer the door, the worker called a neighborhood security officer. The officer looked through a window, saw the bodies, and subsequently called 9-1-1. The police arrived on the scene shortly after and confirmed the deaths of the couple.
A Private Life in Santa Fe
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa lived a quiet, private life in Santa Fe, New Mexico, far from the Hollywood spotlight. Hackman, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation, retired from acting in the early 2000s after a career that spanned more than five decades. He won two Academy Awards—one for Best Actor for The French Connection (1971) and one for Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven (1992). Hackman also appeared in numerous other films, including The Conversation (1974), Hoosiers (1986), and Crimson Tide (1995).
The couple’s relationship has remained largely out of the public eye. Betsy, who married Hackman in 1991, is known to have kept a low profile throughout their marriage. She worked as a real estate agent and was rarely seen at public events with her husband. Hackman, for his part, has always been known for his aversion to publicity, and the couple’s reclusive nature has only added to the mystery surrounding their deaths.
Ongoing Investigation
At this time, authorities have not ruled out any potential causes of death. The investigation is ongoing, and forensic experts are expected to conduct autopsies to help determine the exact cause of death for both Gene and Betsy. Although no foul play is suspected, the unusual nature of the deaths and the discovery of their bodies days after they died has raised questions about the couple’s final days.
Gene Hackman’s passing marks the end of an era for many film fans who grew up watching his iconic roles. His wife’s sudden death alongside him has added another layer of tragedy to what is already a somber story. While law enforcement continues to probe the events surrounding their deaths, family, friends, and fans alike are left with more questions than answers.
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As the investigation unfolds, the public will await further details about the Hackmans’ deaths, hoping that the truth behind this tragedy will be revealed. Until then, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward as they continue their search for answers.
