Gene Hackman's Family Tragedy: Gene Hackman, Wife, and Dog Die Under Unexplained Circumstances

 

Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa in Los Angeles in 1986.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Wednesday, February 26. Authorities discovered the couple, along with their pet dog, after a neighbor raised concerns about their wellbeing.

Local media outlet The Santa Fe New Mexican reported that County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the tragic news in the early hours of Thursday, February 27. According to a search warrant obtained by TMZ, Arakawa, 64, was found in a bathroom and appeared to have been deceased for some time, showing signs of decomposition, including mummification in her hands and feet. Their pet dog was also found lifeless inside a closet in the same bathroom.

Hackman, 95, was discovered in a separate room, fully clothed at the time of his passing. While no immediate signs of foul play have been identified, family members suspect carbon monoxide poisoning may have played a role in their deaths.

Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, expressed uncertainty regarding the exact cause but suggested toxic fumes could be a factor. However, reports from TMZ indicate that inspections by the fire department and the New Mexico gas company found no traces of carbon monoxide leaks.

“As of now, there are no signs or evidence indicating any problems associated with the pipes in and around the residence,” authorities stated. Investigators are still working to determine the official cause of death.

Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Public Information Officer Denise Avila revealed that officers were dispatched to the residence around 1:45 PM after receiving a welfare check request. Later that evening, authorities identified the couple and confirmed their passing. Sheriff Mendoza reiterated that, while the investigation remains active, there is currently no evidence to suggest foul play.

Hackman was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning in 1972 for Best Actor in "The French Connection" (l) and 1993 for Best Supporting Actor in "Unforgiven".

Gene Hackman leaves behind an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, having enjoyed a prolific six-decade career. The two-time Academy Award-winning actor also earned two BAFTA Awards, four Golden Globes, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and the prestigious Silver Bear. His most memorable roles include Jimmy ‘Popeye’ Doyle in The French Connection (1971) and ‘Little’ Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven (1992), both of which earned him Oscars.

Born in California in 1930, Hackman’s journey to stardom was anything but conventional. At 16, he lied about his age to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving for four-and-a-half years before turning to acting. His career spanned generations, with performances that captivated audiences worldwide.

Hackman and Arakawa, a classical pianist, shared a strong bond, having been married since 1991. In 2004, they relocated to Santa Fe from Los Angeles, embracing a quieter life away from Hollywood’s limelight. Their last public appearance together was recorded on March 28, 2024, in the Santa Fe area.

As investigations continue, fans and colleagues alike mourn the loss of one of cinema’s greatest talents. Gene Hackman’s impact on film remains unparalleled, and his contributions to the industry will be cherished for generations to come.