Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Wednesday afternoon, February 26, 2025, along with one of their three dogs. The couple, who had been married since 1991, were discovered in separate rooms of their residence during a welfare check initiated by a concerned neighbor.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the deaths but did not provide an immediate cause, stating that while foul play is not suspected, a full investigation is underway.
Sheriff’s office spokesperson Denise Avila said that there was no indication that the couple had been shot or had other types of wounds.
Details revealed in search warrant documents paint a troubling scene. Hackman, who had just turned 95 last month, was found on the floor of the mud room off the kitchen, appearing to have fallen suddenly. Arakawa, 64, was discovered in a bathroom with signs of decomposition, an opened prescription bottle, and scattered pills nearby. One of their German shepherds was found dead in a bathroom closet, while two other dogs were found alive in the home.
The bodies were discovered by maintenance workers, and authorities believe the couple may have been dead for some time. New Mexico Gas Company assisted in the investigation, but tests of gas lines in the home did not reveal any issues.
Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, said that while they are not certain of the cause of death, the family suspects carbon monoxide poisoning may have been responsible. The medical examiner’s report on the final cause of death is expected to take 4-6 weeks to complete.
Hackman had a history of health issues, including undergoing an angioplasty procedure in 1990 due to angina. In a 2004 interview with Larry King, Hackman discussed his health concerns: “I try to take care of myself. I don’t have a lot of fears. I have the normal fear of passing away – you know, I guess we all think about that, especially when you get to be a certain age.”
The couple had maintained a largely private life in Santa Fe, where they had lived since the 1980s. Their large Southwestern-style ranch in a gated community sat on a hill with views of the Rocky Mountains. In a rare public sighting in 2024, Hackman was seen walking with a cane and holding his wife’s hand for support.
Gene Hackman first crossed paths with Lyn Arakawa, a classically trained pianist from Hawaii, in the mid-1980s when she was working part-time at a gym in California. They quickly began living together and tied the knot in 1991. Hackman, who had three children from his earlier marriage to Faye Maltese—who died in 2017—did not have any children with Arakawa.
Known as one of the finest actors of his generation, Hackman enjoyed a prolific 40-year career in film, winning two Academy Awards – Best Actor for “The French Connection” and Best Supporting Actor for “Unforgiven.” His versatile talents allowed him to portray a wide range of characters, from the villainous Lex Luthor in the Superman films to the basketball coach in “Hoosiers.”
Although self-effacing and unfashionable, Hackman held special status within Hollywood — heir to Spencer Tracy as an everyman, actor’s actor, curmudgeon and reluctant celebrity. He embodied the ethos of doing his job, doing it very well, and letting others worry about his image.
Hackman retired from acting in 2004 at the age of 74 and pursued other creative interests. He co-wrote three novels, beginning with the swashbuckler “Wake of the Perdido Star” with Daniel Lenihan in 1999, followed by two solo works, concluding with “Pursuit” in 2013, about a female police officer on the trail of a predator. He also enjoyed painting during his retirement years.
Following news of his death, tributes poured in from Hollywood colleagues. Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis shared: “Loved you in everything! The Conversation, The French Connection, The Poseidon Adventure, Unforgiven—tough yet vulnerable. You were one of the greats. God bless those who loved you. Rest well, sir.”
Josh Brolin expressed his grief on social media, writing: “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.”
The sheriff’s office has assured the community that there is no immediate danger to anyone.
