SANTA FE, USA — Gene Hackman, the Oscar-winning actor renowned for his roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven, was found dead alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, in their Santa Fe home on Thursday, February 27, 2025, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed. Hackman was 95.
Preliminary autopsy results released on Thursday indicate that there was “no external trauma to either individual,” according to the sheriff’s office.
However, the cause and manner of their deaths remain undetermined.
Investigators have requested carbon monoxide and toxicology tests as part of the inquiry.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that while there was “no obvious sign or indication of foul play,” authorities have not ruled it out.
“The circumstances surrounding the death of the two deceased individuals (are considered) to be suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation,” Mendoza said at a press briefing.
Discovery of the Bodies
The couple was discovered by a caretaker who called 911 just before 2 p.m. local time Wednesday.
In an emotional call obtained by CNN, the caretaker told dispatchers, “No, dude, they’re not moving. Just send somebody out here really quick.”
Deputies found Hackman lying in a room near the kitchen, while Arakawa was discovered in a bathroom, where an open bottle of prescription pills was found on a countertop.
Scattered pills and a space heater were also near her body, and the couple’s dog was found dead in a bathroom closet, according to an affidavit.
Two other dogs in the home were alive and appeared healthy.
Authorities noted that the front door of the residence was open and unsecured.
A search of the property found no signs of forced entry, struggle, or theft.
Santa Fe City Fire Department officials tested for carbon monoxide leaks, and the New Mexico Gas Company confirmed that there were no gas-related issues at the residence.
Investigation Ongoing
The sheriff’s office has obtained a search warrant for the residence to examine any possible combustible materials, controlled substances, weapons, or other potential evidence.
Investigators are also searching for biological material, trace evidence, and fingerprints. Mendoza emphasized that the case is being handled “with caution and with facts.”
Chris Ramirez, spokesperson for the New Mexico medical investigator’s office, said official autopsy reports could take four to six weeks to finalize.
“We want to make sure that we get the investigation completed properly and release the proper information,” he stated.
Family and Industry Reactions
Hackman’s family expressed their grief in a statement released Thursday: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy. 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.”
Hollywood figures have begun paying tribute to Hackman, who won two Academy Awards and was nominated for five.
Director Francis Ford Coppola, who worked with Hackman on The Conversation, wrote, “The loss of a great artist is always cause for both mourning and celebration.”
Actor George Takei called Hackman “one of the true giants of the screen” and praised his ability to embody both towering presences and everyday roles.
A Career That Defined Generations
Hackman’s five-decade career included unforgettable performances in The French Connection, Hoosiers, Mississippi Burning, and The Royal Tenenbaums.
He won an Oscar for portraying Popeye Doyle in The French Connection (1971) and later won Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven (1992), where he played the ruthless sheriff Little Bill Daggett.
After his final film, Welcome to Mooseport (2004), Hackman retired from acting and lived quietly in Santa Fe with Arakawa, a former classical pianist.
He spent his later years writing novels and staying largely out of the public eye.
Oscars to Honour Hackman
Hackman’s passing comes just days before the Academy Awards.
Sources have confirmed that the ceremony will honour him in Sunday’s “In Memoriam” segment, and organisers are considering a special tribute during the broadcast.
The investigation into Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths is ongoing, with authorities awaiting toxicology results to determine the exact cause.
Mendoza assured the public that his office would continue to pursue all leads.
“We want to ensure that every aspect of this case is thoroughly examined,” he said.
