Legendary Hollywood actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday. The circumstances of their deaths are considered suspicious, and authorities are investigating.
What Happened?
Hackman and Arakawa were found in separate rooms of their house. One of their three dogs was also found dead. There were no signs of forced entry or burglary.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office has not yet determined the cause of death. Initial autopsies found no external injuries, and no immediate signs of foul play were observed. Toxicology tests and carbon monoxide checks are underway, but results could take months.
How Were They Discovered?
A pest control worker, who regularly visited the home, noticed something was off on Wednesday. When the couple didn’t answer, he alerted a security officer from the neighborhood. That officer then called 911 after seeing the couple inside through a window.
Where Were They Found?
- Betsy Arakawa was found on the bathroom floor. A space heater was lying nearby, and a prescription bottle with spilled pills was on the counter.
- A dead German shepherd was found in a closet near her.
- Gene Hackman was found in the mudroom of the house, possibly having collapsed.
- Two other dogs were found alive—one in the bathroom and one outside.
What’s Suspicious?
Officials are treating the case as suspicious because:
- The front door was unlocked.
- A space heater was on the bathroom floor.
- Pills were scattered on the counter.
- Hackman and Arakawa were in separate rooms.
- One dog was dead, while the others survived.
Despite these unusual details, investigators have not ruled anything out yet.
What’s Next?
Authorities are working to piece together a timeline of the couple’s final days—when they were last seen or spoken to. The medical examiner is conducting further tests, but full results could take months.
What Did the Family Say?
Hackman’s family released a short statement, saying he was loved worldwide for his acting but, to them, he was simply “Dad and Grandpa.” They expressed deep sadness over his passing.
