Gene Hackman and Wife Found Dead in New Mexico Home: Investigation Underway
The quiet community of Santa Fe, New Mexico, is grappling with the shocking news of the death of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, pianist Betsy Arakawa. The couple was discovered deceased in their home on Wednesday, prompting an ongoing investigation by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. The circumstances surrounding their deaths have raised questions, particularly concerning the timeline of events leading up to the discovery.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza revealed during a press conference on Friday that authorities believe Hackman may have passed away nearly 10 days before his body was found. This assertion is based on data retrieved from the actor’s pacemaker, which recorded its last event on February 17, 2025. Given the device’s functionality, investigators are operating under the assumption that February 17th marked Hackman’s last day of life.
The couple’s bodies were discovered by neighborhood security officials at approximately 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday. Initial concerns about carbon monoxide poisoning were quickly dispelled as tests came back negative for the deadly gas. However, the cause of death remains undetermined, and authorities are proceeding with caution, classifying the situation as "suspicious" while exploring all possible scenarios.
In an interview on the "Today" show, Sheriff Mendoza acknowledged the complexities of the investigation. While emphasizing that he is "pretty confident that there’s no foul play involved," he stressed that investigators are not ruling out any possibilities at this stage.
The investigation is complicated by the couple’s reclusive lifestyle. Hackman, who retreated from Hollywood after a prolific and celebrated acting career, and Arakawa, were known for their privacy. Mendoza explained that crafting a precise timeline of their deaths poses a "challenge" due to their insular nature.
"Just based on their body and other evidence on the body, it appears several days and possibly even up to a couple weeks had passed since their deaths," Mendoza noted. He added that there was no indication of any activity within the house or any disruption to their routine, making it difficult to determine if the couple passed away simultaneously or at different times.
Authorities are meticulously gathering evidence to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy. A search of the Hackman residence yielded a list of medications and medical records, including thyroid medication, diltiazem (used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain), and Tylenol. These items may provide valuable insights into the couple’s health conditions and potential contributing factors to their deaths.
The news of the couple’s passing has deeply saddened the Santa Fe community, where they were well-regarded residents. Jennifer LaBar-Tapia, of the Santa Fe Film Office, expressed the city’s grief during the press conference.
"Gene was not only a legendary actor whose talent shaped generations of storytelling, but he and Betsy were also longtime residents of our community," LaBar-Tapia said. She described the couple as being "deeply woven" into the fabric of Santa Fe, where Hackman chose to live a quiet life away from the spotlight after his illustrious career.
The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office held a subsequent press conference later on Friday with City of Santa Fe Fire officials, streamed live for public access. While the specific details discussed during this additional conference are not yet fully available, it is expected that the officials provided further updates on the investigation and addressed any questions from the media.
The Sheriff’s Office is committed to conducting a thorough and transparent investigation to determine the cause and manner of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s deaths. As the investigation progresses, authorities will continue to analyze the available evidence, including the pacemaker data, forensic findings, and the couple’s medical history. They will also explore any potential external factors that may have contributed to their demise.
The deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa mark a profound loss for both the entertainment world and the Santa Fe community. Hackman’s contributions to cinema are undeniable, and his talent and versatility have inspired countless actors. His decision to retire from acting and embrace a quieter life in Santa Fe was respected by many, and he and Arakawa became integral members of the local community.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind their deaths and providing closure to their loved ones and the community that mourns their loss.
