Gene Hackman and Wife Found Dead in Suspicious Circumstances

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Gene Hackman, a two-time Oscar-winning actor, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their home on Wednesday, prompting an investigation by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities have described the circumstances surrounding their deaths as suspicious.

The couple was discovered by a maintenance worker who called 911 after finding their bodies when he arrived for routine pest control. An emergency dispatch audio revealed that he reported seeing one of them lying on the floor but was unable to enter the locked house, saying, ‘I can see she’s laying down on the floor from the window.’

Hackman, who was 95, and Arakawa, 64, were pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary investigations indicated there were no signs of foul play or forced entry into the home, but the sheriff’s office noted that the deaths warranted a thorough search for evidence.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza addressed the press on Thursday, confirming that both victims showed no external trauma. He mentioned that preliminary examinations showed negative results for carbon monoxide poisoning, although further toxicology tests were pending. ‘The investigation remains open as we assess all possibilities,’ Mendoza stated.

Arakawa was discovered in a bathroom near a space heater and prescription pills scattered on the floor, while Hackman was found in a mudroom with his cane and sunglasses nearby. Investigators are exploring a potential gas leak as part of their inquiry.

‘This situation is concerning because it’s not normal to find two people deceased in the same residence with no apparent explanation,’ Mendoza added.

The couple had not been seen in public for some time. Neighbors reported they last had contact with them about two weeks prior to their discovery. Their family expressed deep sorrow in a statement released Thursday, saying, ‘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 and are devastated by the loss.’

Hackman, who was renowned for roles in classic films such as “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven,” was a celebrated figure in Hollywood with accolades including two Academy Awards and multiple Golden Globes. He and Arakawa had been married since 1991 and were known for their private life away from the Hollywood spotlight.

The shocking news of their deaths comes just days before the Academy Awards, where tributes to the late actor are expected. A press conference regarding the investigation will be held Friday afternoon, as authorities continue to piece together the timeline and circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.