Authorities in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, are investigating the deaths of two-time Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and one of their dogs, found in their remote home on Wednesday. The couple, who had lived in the area for decades, were discovered after a maintenance worker, unable to reach the couple for two weeks, requested a welfare check. Upon arrival, local security officers saw unresponsive bodies through a window and called 911. Responding deputies found Hackman’s body in a mudroom, while Arakawa’s body was found in a bathroom with an open prescription bottle and scattered pills on a nearby counter.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed there were no immediate signs of foul play or external trauma to either body. However, the discovery has raised many questions about the cause of death, and autopsies were performed on both victims on Thursday. In addition, carbon monoxide and toxicology tests have been requested, though the results are still pending. No signs of gas leaks or carbon monoxide exposure were found in the home, which has been described as secluded and high above downtown Santa Fe.
Early Findings and Investigation Details
In the search warrant affidavit, the sheriff’s office stated that Arakawa’s body was found lying on her side with a space heater near her head. Deputies speculated that the heater might have fallen on her, but this is yet to be confirmed. Arakawa’s body also showed signs of decomposition, including “mummification in both hands and feet,” which indicated she had been dead for some time. A dead German shepherd was found in a closet, about 10 to 15 feet away from Arakawa, while two other dogs were found alive on the property. Hackman’s body was discovered shortly after, showing signs of death similar to his wife’s, with no visible trauma.
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A thorough search of the home has continued, and authorities are gathering evidence from the property, including documents, any narcotics found, and any potentially dangerous or flammable substances. Detectives have expressed concern about the nature of the deaths, with Detective Roy Arndt noting that the circumstances surrounding the deaths were suspicious enough to warrant a full investigation.
While no note was found at the scene, the sheriff’s office has ruled out foul play for the moment. Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths are being treated as unexplained, and investigators are focusing on all possible angles, including accidental poisoning, carbon monoxide exposure, or a medical emergency. The toxicology and carbon monoxide tests should provide more clarity in the coming days.
Gene Hackman: A Reclusive Hollywood Icon
Gene Hackman, one of Hollywood’s most respected and prolific actors, was known for his dynamic performances in films such as Bonnie and Clyde, The French Connection, The Poseidon Adventure, Mississippi Burning, Unforgiven, and Superman. Over his 40-year career, Hackman was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning two. However, after retiring from acting over two decades ago, Hackman and his wife opted for a quieter life in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The couple lived reclusively in a scenic, high-altitude neighborhood with expansive views of the mountains. Hackman, a passionate painter, often drew inspiration from the surrounding landscapes. He was also involved in the local art community and served as a board member at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Friends described him as a beloved member of the Santa Fe community, known for his pranks and sharp sense of humor. One of his friends, Doug Lanham, the owner of a local restaurant, recalled how Hackman once convinced a child at a country club event to hand over a squirt gun, only for Hackman to fill it with red wine and squirt it at unsuspecting guests.
While Hackman had withdrawn from the public eye over the years, he remained devoted to his wife and their dogs. In recent years, his friends observed that he had grown frailer but was still active in his hobbies, including painting and drawing. Arakawa, a partner in a home décor business, was known for her dedication to their life in Santa Fe, and the couple was described as a close-knit and private pair who preferred solitude to celebrity.
The Local Community Reacts
News of Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths has left the local community shocked and saddened. Many in the neighborhood were unaware of the couple’s declining health, and their sudden deaths have left friends and acquaintances questioning what might have happened. Barbara Lenihan, a longtime friend of the couple, last spoke to Arakawa in January. She described Hackman as frailer but still active, while Arakawa continued to run her local business.
Lenihan and others who knew the couple well expressed their disbelief at the tragic news. Hackman, who had enjoyed a long and successful career in Hollywood, had settled into life in Santa Fe after retiring from acting. In the years following his retirement, he focused on his passions for painting and writing. The couple had invested in the local arts scene and were seen as integral members of their community. Despite their reclusive nature, those who knew them spoke fondly of their quiet life and their contributions to the town.
Ongoing Investigation and Speculation
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office has stated that the investigation remains open, and authorities are carefully examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Detective Arndt expressed concerns about the “suspicious nature” of the case, though there is no indication at this point that foul play was involved. Investigators are continuing to search the property for additional clues, and the results of the autopsies and toxicology tests will be critical in determining the cause of death.
The sheriff’s office has urged the public to allow investigators the time and space they need to conduct a thorough inquiry. As the community mourns the loss of Hackman and Arakawa, questions about what led to their untimely deaths remain unanswered.
