Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were dead for an extended period before their bodies were discovered inside their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home, according to investigators. A search warrant filed in the case describes their deaths as "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation," though no signs of forced entry or immediate cause of death have been identified.
Santa Fe County Sheriff's deputies responded to the residence on Old Sunset Trail on Wednesday afternoon after a maintenance worker found the home's front door open and called police. Inside, Hackman, 95, was found in a mudroom near the kitchen, while Arakawa, 64, was located in a bathroom. The couple's German shepherd was also discovered dead in a nearby closet.
According to investigators, the maintenance worker and a colleague had not seen the homeowners for about two weeks. "Deputies were called... where Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, and a dog were found deceased," sheriff's office spokesperson Denise Womack Avila said. The search warrant revealed that Hackman's body appeared to have been there for some time before being found.
RIP: Legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, and wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, found dead with their dog in their Santa Fe home. Sheriff: No foul play suspected. Cause of death unknown. Hackman won Oscars for "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven. pic.twitter.com/Dj7yE60RNl — Breaking911 (@Breaking911) February 27, 2025
Authorities initially tested for potential environmental causes, including a gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning. The New Mexico Gas Company inspected gas lines inside and outside the home but "did not locate signs of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning," the search warrant states. The fire department conducted additional tests and also found no evidence of hazardous gas exposure.
In the bathroom where Arakawa's body was found, investigators observed a space heater near her head and a prescription bottle with pills scattered on the counter. The warrant notes that the heater "could have fallen in the event the female abruptly fell to the ground." Hackman was discovered lying on the floor wearing a t-shirt, sweatpants, and slippers, with sunglasses and a cane nearby.
Though officials have not determined a cause of death, the absence of visible injuries and the prolonged period before discovery have led to an ongoing forensic investigation. "As of now, there are no signs or evidence indicating there were any problems associated to the pipes," the warrant states, reinforcing that environmental factors have been ruled out.
Hackman's death has drawn tributes from across Hollywood, where he was regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation. He won Academy Awards for The French Connection and Unforgiven and became known for his commanding presence in roles spanning multiple genres.
Clint Eastwood, who directed Hackman in Unforgiven, praised his longtime friend: "There was no finer actor than Gene. Intense and instinctive. Never a false note."
Hackman and Arakawa had lived in Santa Fe for decades, where they built a home in a secluded, gated community. The property, valued at over $4 million, was the couple's primary residence.
While authorities await toxicology results and further forensic analysis, Hackman's family has asked for privacy. "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," his daughters and granddaughter said in a statement. "We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss."
