Mystery Shrouds Deaths of Gene Hackman and Wife: Business Partner Shares Fond Memories Amidst Uncertainty
Santa Fe, New Mexico – The recent deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have cast a pall of mystery over Santa Fe, leaving unanswered questions and prompting a criminal investigation. Doug Lanham, Hackman’s longtime business partner, is grappling with the loss while cherishing the memories forged over years of friendship and collaboration.
Lanham, in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, expressed his distress over the circumstances surrounding the couple’s passing. He revealed that the news of their deaths, discovered in their secluded home, has left him unnerved and yearning for answers. Authorities have remained tight-lipped about the cause of death, only stating that Hackman and Arakawa had been deceased for several days before their discovery.
"She’s incredible," Lanham said of Arakawa, highlighting her profound love for animals, particularly her German Shepherds. "They were the loves of her life, and that’s why the news from the past couple of days is really unnerving, hard to understand. Hopefully, we get some answers."
Lanham described Hackman and Arakawa as "very, very private until you got to know them," emphasizing their reserved nature despite Hackman’s public persona.
Amidst the uncertainty, Lanham found solace in recounting a fond memory that encapsulated Hackman’s playful and mischievous spirit. He shared a humorous anecdote about a golf bet between himself, Hackman, and two other friends. Hackman, known for occasionally "welching" on wagers, finally settled a debt in an unconventional and unforgettable manner.
"So finally, I said, ‘Gene, how about some cash, buddy?’ and he just kind of gave me that Gene Hackman look and shook his head, didn’t say anything," Lanham recalled. "Well, about a week later, I was in my office, and the hostess came back and said, ‘Mr. Hackman’s here,’ and I said, ‘Oh, great. What table are they?’ and they said, ‘No, he’s got this big toolbox, and it’s on wheels, and he’s coming to your office.’"
Intrigued and somewhat bewildered, Lanham watched as Hackman wheeled a massive toolbox into his office. "He said, ‘Here. Here’s your bet. Enjoy it. And there’s a note inside.’ He turned around and walked out," Lanham recounted.
Upon opening the toolbox, Lanham discovered it was filled with approximately $700 worth of pennies. Tucked inside was a note penned by Hackman, expressing his sentiments about having to pay the bet. Lanham chuckled as he recalled their nickname for Hackman: "Captain Hollywood."
Lanham also shared the story of how he first met Hackman and Arakawa, leading to their business partnership. The encounter occurred at Lanham’s restaurant, Jinja Bar & Bistro, where a mutual friend introduced them during lunch. Hackman, intrigued by the restaurant and its cuisine, expressed interest in learning more.
"So, like an idiot, I said, ‘Hey, we’re gonna be cooking tomorrow, would you all like to join us?’ and they said, ‘Oh yeah, that would be great.’ I said, ‘Okay, let’s see what happens tomorrow,’" Lanham recounted.
To Lanham’s surprise, at precisely 2 o’clock the following day, Hackman and Arakawa arrived at the restaurant with a cooler full of food that Arakawa, a talented chef in her own right, had prepared for everyone.
The circumstances surrounding Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths have prompted a criminal investigation by New Mexico authorities, who deemed the deaths "suspicious." The body of one of their dogs was also found. Detectives are conducting a thorough search and investigation, although no external trauma was observed on either Hackman or Arakawa. The case remains open pending autopsy and toxicology results.
Initial tests ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as a cause of death. Officials revealed that Hackman likely died approximately nine days before his body was discovered. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that the last event noted on Hackman’s pacemaker was February 17th, leading investigators to believe that was his last day of life.
Executive chef Fernando Flores of Jinja Bar & Bistro shared his experience of working with Hackman, describing him as a "really nice" boss. Flores admitted to being initially intimidated by Hackman’s celebrity status but quickly found him to be approachable and kind.
Lanham further revealed that Hackman’s artistic talents extended beyond acting. Over the years, Hackman created artwork that is now displayed inside the restaurant, including a large mural that he was initially hesitant to unveil.
"So we brought it down, had it framed," Lanham said. "Gene wouldn’t come look at it. We said, ‘Gene, this thing is gorgeous, everyone’s talking about it.’ Now Betsy came in, ‘Gene, it’s beautiful.’ A couple of months later, he came in, took a quick look, left, and that was it on the mural. But we’ve had it for probably 20 years now, and that’s the story."
As the investigation into Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths continues, Lanham and the Santa Fe community mourn the loss of a beloved actor, artist, and friend, hoping that answers will soon emerge to shed light on the mysterious circumstances surrounding their passing.
