Legendary Hollywood actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home, sparking an ongoing investigation into what authorities are calling "suspicious" deaths.
Authorities confirmed that Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 64, had been deceased for "quite a while" before their bodies were discovered on Wednesday afternoon. The tragic discovery was made by two maintenance workers who noticed the front door ajar and alerted authorities.
Upon arrival, deputies found Hackman in a mudroom near the kitchen, while Arakawa was discovered in a bathroom. Their dog was also found dead in a closet, though two other dogs on the property were alive. A search warrant issued by investigators described the deaths as suspicious, warranting a thorough search and probe into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
So far, investigators have not found signs of forced entry or foul play, though carbon monoxide poisoning has been ruled out following tests by the local fire department. A space heater was discovered near Arakawa’s body, along with a bottle of prescription pills scattered on a countertop. Meanwhile, Hackman was found collapsed with no immediate explanation for his passing. Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that while no conclusive evidence has pointed to a crime, the situation remains unusual and concerning.
"It’s not normal to find two people deceased in a residence like this," Mendoza told reporters. "We are investigating all possibilities and will wait for autopsy reports to provide further clarity."
Hackman’s family released a heartfelt statement following the announcement of his passing. "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." Hollywood figures and fans have since taken to social media to express their condolences and share memories of Hackman’s illustrious career spanning over five decades.
Gene Hackman was a two-time Academy Award winner, celebrated for his roles in classic films such as The French Connection (1971), which earned him an Oscar for Best Actor, and Unforgiven (1993), for which he won Best Supporting Actor. Other iconic performances include Bonnie and Clyde (1967), The Conversation (1974), and his role as Lex Luthor in Superman (1978). He retired from acting in 2004 following his final film, Welcome to Mooseport, choosing to live a quiet life in New Mexico.
Authorities have yet to release details on the official cause of death, pending autopsy results. Meanwhile, investigators continue to analyze evidence from the scene to determine whether any external factors contributed to the deaths. The coming days are expected to shed more light on this shocking and heartbreaking loss, as fans, friends, and loved ones remember the legacy of one of Hollywood’s greatest actors.
This is a developing story.
