Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were dead for at least a day before their bodies were discovered in their Santa Fe home, authorities revealed Thursday—deepening the mystery surrounding their deaths.
The chilling discovery was made after a concerned neighbor requested a welfare check. Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that while foul play is not expected, it has not been ruled out either. Investigators have now obtained a search warrant “in case” the deaths turn out to be criminal.
What happened in the Hackman home?
Authorities remain tight-lipped about the exact cause of death, though Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth, told TMZ she suspects carbon monoxide poisoning. Strangely, two of the couple’s dogs survived, while another was found dead alongside them.
Sheriff Mendoza didn’t dismiss more sinister possibilities, saying the couple “could have been victims of a double homicide, suicide, accidental death, or natural causes.”
A life of fame, a quiet retirement
Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 64, had been living in Santa Fe since 2004, when the French Connection star retired from acting. They kept a low profile, though Hackman was last seen in public in 2023, walking with a cane.
His career was nothing short of legendary. A two-time Oscar winner, Hackman delivered unforgettable performances in Unforgiven, The French Connection, Superman, and The Conversation. Born in California and raised in Illinois, he served in the Marines before chasing his Hollywood dreams—eventually becoming one of the most revered actors of his generation.
An unresolved ending
Hackman is survived by his three children, Elizabeth, Christopher, and Leslie. As authorities investigate the circumstances of his death, Hollywood and his fans worldwide are left with more questions than answers.
The mystery remains unsolved.
