Oscar-winner Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home, reportedly having been deceased for some time. Investigators noted no signs of foul play, but described the circumstances as “suspicious” enough to warrant further inquiry. Hackman, 95, was discovered in an entryway, while Arakawa, 65, was in the bathroom. A maintenance worker found their bodies after noticing the home’s front door open. Although initial gas line tests showed no issues, pending autopsy results will determine the cause of death. Tributes to Hackman highlight his significant impact on cinema and his beloved status.
Santa Fe, New Mexico:
According to investigators, Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, his wife, and one of their dogs were apparently deceased for a considerable period before a maintenance employee found their bodies at their residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The discovery was made on Wednesday. Denise Avila, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, reported there were no signs of gunshot wounds or any other injuries that would suggest foul play. Nonetheless, detectives from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office noted in a search warrant affidavit that the circumstances surrounding the deaths appeared “suspicious enough in nature to necessitate a thorough search and investigation.”
Hackman, aged 95, was found in an entryway, while his 65-year-old wife, Betsy Arakawa, was lying on her right side in the bathroom. The affidavit indicates that a space heater positioned next to her head may have toppled over when she suddenly dropped to the floor.
Following the discovery of the bodies, the New Mexico Gas Co inspected the gas lines both inside and outside the house, as stated in the warrant. At that point, they reported no signs of any issues, and the Fire Department found no indication of carbon monoxide leaks or poisoning. A detective remarked there were no obvious signs of a gas leak; however, he noted that those exposed to such leaks or carbon monoxide might not exhibit symptoms of poisoning.
The grumpy yet cherished Hackman was among the most skilled actors of his era, taking on roles as villains, heroes, and antiheroes in numerous dramas, comedies, and action films spanning from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s.
“He was cherished and respected by millions worldwide for his outstanding acting career, but to us, he was always simply Dad and Grandpa,” his daughters and granddaughter stated in a press release on Thursday. “We will deeply miss him and are heartbroken by this loss.”
Worker discovered Hackman and his wife’s bodies
The search warrant affidavit revealed that a maintenance worker mentioned the front door of the home was open when he arrived for routine work on Wednesday and he called the police after discovering the bodies.
However, in a 911 call, the maintenance worker stated he was unable to enter when asked if the individuals inside the house were breathing.
“I have no idea,” said the caretaker of the subdivision. “I’m not inside the house. It’s closed and locked. I can’t get in. But I can see she’s lying on the floor from the window.”
He and another worker later informed authorities that they rarely saw the homeowners and their last interaction with them occurred approximately two weeks prior.
Observations by a deputy indicated that Hackman appeared to have fallen, with a cane located nearby.
A deceased German shepherd was discovered in a bathroom closet close to Arakawa, according to the police. During a press conference on Thursday, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated the dog was found in a kennel, while two healthy dogs were found on the property—one inside and one outside.
“There were no signs of a struggle,” Mendoza said. “There was no indication of anything missing from the home or disturbed that would suggest a crime had occurred.”
Results from autopsies on both individuals are not yet available, according to sheriff’s officials, noting that carbon monoxide and toxicology test results are pending.
The search warrant affidavit indicates that police are considering a theory involving “some type of gas poisoning,” but they have not yet confirmed anything and are keeping all possibilities open, according to Loyola Marymount University law professor Laurie Levenson.
“They lack clear evidence of any homicide, but are requesting blunt instruments or other potential weapons,” said Levenson, who is not associated with the investigation. “It also doesn’t appear to resemble a planned double-suicide.”
William & Mary Law School professor Jeffrey Bellin remarked that the application for a search warrant was somewhat atypical, as investigators usually submit such requests with the belief that a particular crime has taken place. In this case, no specific alleged crime was referenced, Bellin added.
While police typically exaggerate their knowledge, this situation feels inverse, said Bellin, who is also not involved in the investigation.
“It struck me as very cautious in a manner that search warrant affidavits typically are not,” he commented.
Actor renowned for his versatility
Hackman consistently ranked on Hollywood’s lists of the greatest American actors of the 20th century. He had the ability to take on nearly any role, from the comic book villain Lex Luthor in “Superman” to a coach finding redemption in the heartfelt favorite “Hoosiers.”
A five-time Oscar nominee, Hackman won the award for best actor in a leading role for “The French Connection” in 1972 and for best actor in a supporting role for “Unforgiven” two decades later. His passing occurred just four days before this year’s ceremony.
Tributes swiftly flooded in from Hollywood.
“There was no greater actor than Gene,” said actor-director Clint Eastwood, Hackman’s co-star in “Unforgiven,” in a statement. “Intense and instinctive. Never a false note. He was also a dear friend whom I will miss immensely.”
Hackman and Arakawa established their home in Santa Fe
Hackman met Arakawa, a classically trained pianist from Hawaii, while she was working part-time at a California gym in the mid-1980s. They soon cohabited and moved to Santa Fe by the end of the decade.
Their Southwestern-style ranch located on Old Sunset Trail is positioned on a hill in a gated community, offering views of the Rocky Mountains. This expansive four-bedroom residence, built in 1997, occupies 6 acres (2.4 hectares) and had an estimated market value of just over $4 million, according to Santa Fe County property tax records.
Hackman and his wife also owned a more modest property adjacent to their main home.
Additionally, Hackman co-authored three novels, commencing with “Wake of the Perdido Star,” a swashbuckler written with Daniel Lenihan in 1999, as per publisher Simon & Schuster. He subsequently penned two novels solo, concluding with “Pursuit” in 2013, which focuses on a female police officer tracking a predator.
During his first couple of decades living in New Mexico, Hackman was frequently seen around the historic state capital, known as an artist enclave and a retreat for celebrities.
From 1997 to 2004, he served on the board of trustees for the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, as stated by the museum in a recent announcement.
Hackman’s later life
In recent years, Hackman became more reclusive, although even his most ordinary outings captured media interest. Articles covered his presence at a performance arts center in 2018, along with mundane activities like pumping gas, working in the yard, and ordering a chicken sandwich at Wendy’s in 2023.
Other than his rare appearances at award ceremonies, he seldom engaged in the Hollywood social scene and officially retired from acting approximately 20 years ago—a retirement that was notably lasting.
Hackman had three children from a previous marriage. He and Arakawa did not have children together, but they were known for their love of German shepherds.
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