Legendary Actor Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa Found Dead in New Mexico Home Under Suspicious Circumstances

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their New Mexico home on Wednesday under circumstances authorities have deemed “suspicious enough” to warrant a thorough investigation. The couple’s bodies, along with that of one of their three dogs, were discovered by a maintenance worker at their residence in a gated community just outside Santa Fe.

The maintenance worker arrived at the home to perform routine work and found the front door open. Unable to reach the couple, he contacted authorities. Upon entering the property, responders found Hackman lying on the ground near the kitchen, with a cane and sunglasses nearby. Arakawa was discovered in an upstairs bathroom, next to an open prescription pill bottle with scattered pills on the countertop. A deceased German shepherd was found in a bathroom closet, while two other dogs were found alive and unharmed.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that there were no immediate signs of foul play, struggle, or missing items from the home. However, the circumstances surrounding the deaths were deemed suspicious enough to justify a detailed investigation. “There was no indication of a struggle or anything that would suggest a crime had occurred,” Mendoza said during a press conference. “But the nature of the scene required us to take a closer look.”

Preliminary autopsies revealed no external trauma or obvious signs of injury to either Hackman or Arakawa. Authorities also ruled out immediate indications of carbon monoxide poisoning or a natural gas leak, though toxicology tests have been ordered to explore potential causes further. The couple appeared to have been deceased for “quite some time,” according to investigators, though an exact timeline has not been established.

Hackman, a revered figure in Hollywood, enjoyed a career spanning over six decades, earning two Academy Awards and five nominations. He won his first Oscar for his iconic role as Popeye Doyle in “The French Connection” (1971) and his second for his portrayal of Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven” (1992).

Arakawa, a talented classical pianist, was three decades younger than Hackman. The couple had been married for over three decades and were known to keep a relatively private life. Their daughters and granddaughter released a statement expressing their grief: “He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”

As news of Hackman’s passing spread, tributes poured in from across Hollywood. Clint Eastwood, who co-starred with Hackman in “Unforgiven”, called him “a dear friend” and “one of the finest actors of our time.” Hackman’s legacy is expected to be honored at the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony, with plans to include him in the annual “In Memoriam” segment.