Hollywood Icon Gene Hackman and Wife Found Deceased in Their Home
The film industry is mourning the loss of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, after the couple was discovered dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home earlier this week. According to a newly released search warrant, the two had passed away “some time” before their bodies were found.
The shocking news of Hackman’s death at age 95, along with his wife, 63, has left fans devastated and searching for answers. As tributes pour in from around the world, investigators are working to determine the cause of their passing.
Possible Cause of Death
Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth, shared her suspicions in an interview with TMZ, suggesting that carbon monoxide poisoning could be to blame.
“The house was built in 2000, so it’s relatively modern,” she explained. “But we don’t know if there were any issues with gas leaks or if there had been recent maintenance calls.”
While the official cause remains unconfirmed, authorities are piecing together the events leading up to the couple’s deaths.
Disturbing Details from the Investigation
A recent report from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office revealed new details about the discovery of Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies. Hackman was reportedly found in the mudroom of their home, while Arakawa’s body was located in a bathroom near a space heater.
Investigators also noted the presence of an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on the bathroom counter. However, there were no signs of visible injuries or gunshot wounds, according to Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Denise Avila.
As of now, it remains unclear exactly how long the couple had been deceased before they were found. Some reports, including one from MailOnline, suggest that the bodies showed signs of partial mummification.
A Quiet Retirement Away from Hollywood
Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his death, Hackman’s daughter reflected on the peaceful life her father had built in New Mexico. After retiring from acting in 2004, the two-time Academy Award winner dedicated his time to painting and enjoying a slower pace of life away from Hollywood.
Elizabeth also shared that her father’s favorite film was The French Connection, the 1971 crime thriller that earned him an Oscar and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest actors of his time.
A Legendary Career and a Sudden Goodbye
Over the span of his decades-long career, Hackman appeared in more than 70 films, captivating audiences with unforgettable performances in classics such as The French Connection, Unforgiven, Hoosiers, and The Royal Tenenbaums.
His decision to step away from acting came after a routine stress test raised concerns about his health.
“I took a stress test in New York, and the doctor told me my heart wasn’t in the condition it should be for the kind of stress I was putting it under,” Hackman revealed in a 2009 interview with Empire Magazine. That warning ultimately led to his retirement from Hollywood.
The Investigation Continues
Authorities are still working to uncover the exact circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths. For now, the film world grieves the loss of a true legend, remembering Gene Hackman not just for his extraordinary talent, but for the quiet, fulfilling life he lived in his later years.
This developing story continues to unfold, and more details are expected in the coming days.