Shocking Discovery
On February 26, 2025, a maintenance worker arrived at Gene Hackman’s Santa Fe home and saw the front door open. Peering inside, he spotted a woman on the floor and called 911. Police found Hackman, 95, near the entryway and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63, in the bathroom. Their German shepherd was also dead in a kennel, while two other dogs survived. Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed, “There was no indication of a struggle or anything missing.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities found no forced entry, theft, or gas leaks. The Fire Department ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, but toxicology tests are still pending. Investigators initially considered gas poisoning but have yet to determine the cause.
Quiet Life in Santa Fe
Hackman retired in 2004 and lived peacefully with Arakawa. “I was getting great offers, but the roles were mostly doddering great-grandfathers,” he once said. He spent his time writing and remodeling his home.
A Lasting Legacy
A two-time Oscar winner, Hackman starred in The French Connection and Unforgiven. His rare public outings stirred reactions, with some noting his frailty and others admiring his resilience. His legacy in Hollywood and literature remains strong.
