Death of Gene Hackman and Wife Deemed 'Suspicious Enough' to Investigate, Authorities Say

Death of Gene Hackman and Wife Deemed 'Suspicious Enough' to Investigate, Authorities Say

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday afternoon. Police reported that they appeared to have been deceased for "quite a while." Hackman, 95, was discovered in a side room near the kitchen, while Arakawa, 65, a classical pianist, was found in a bathroom.

Authorities have stated there were no immediate signs of injury but have classified the deaths as "suspicious enough" to warrant further investigation. The cause of death has not yet been determined, and no foul play has been ruled out.

Hackman, a celebrated actor, won two Academy Awards for The French Connection and Unforgiven. His children from a previous marriage—Elizabeth, Leslie, and Annie—confirmed the deaths, expressing their devastation in a statement. They described him as beloved by millions for his acting career but always being "just Dad and Grandpa" to them.

According to the Santa Fe County Sheriff's office, deputies responded to a call on February 26, 2025, around 1:45 p.m. Upon arriving at the residence, they found the couple and their dog deceased. Sheriff Adan Mendoza mentioned that the bodies appeared to have been dead for some time but refrained from speculating on the exact duration. No signs of foul play were immediately apparent, but the investigation is ongoing, with all possibilities being explored.

A sheriff's detective reported that Arakawa's body showed signs of decomposition, including mummification on her hands and feet. Hackman’s body displayed similar signs. Authorities also noted a portable heater near Arakawa’s head, which could have fallen after she collapsed.

The couple's dog, a German Shepherd, was found dead in a bathroom closet. Police found no signs of forced entry into the home, and nothing seemed disturbed inside the property. Two other healthy dogs were discovered roaming the property. The couple’s home, a 2,300-square-foot ranch-style house, is valued at approximately $1 million.

While utility and fire departments found no evidence of a gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning, authorities are awaiting the results of toxicology and carbon monoxide tests for both Hackman and his wife.

Hackman’s career, spanning over four decades, included iconic roles such as Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde, for which he received an Academy Award nomination, and Lex Luthor in the Superman films. His most recent acting appearance was in the 2004 film Welcome to Mooseport, after which he retired to New Mexico for a quieter life with his wife.

Tags;

demure,
demure trend,
very demure trend,
give me my money trend,
just give me my money trend,
what is demure trend,
what is the demure trend,
demure meaning,
demure trend meaning,
bta trend,
i love your daughter trend,
gimme my money trend,
nice try diddy trend,
legging legs trend,
hey brother trend,
who started the demure trend,
what is the very demure trend,
where did the demure trend come from,