Authorities are investigating the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog in their New Mexico home
Legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, and their dog were found dead in their New Mexico home on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.
“On February 26, 2025, at approximately 1:45 p.m., Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to an address on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park, where Gene Hackman, 95, his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, and a dog were found deceased,” the sheriff’s office told Fox News Digital early Thursday morning.
Law enforcement officials are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths. While authorities have not disclosed the cause, initial reports suggest they have been dead for some time now in the home alone. According to FOX News, a worker called authorities after finding them dead the property.
Hackman, an Academy Award-winning actor known for his roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, and Hoosiers, largely stepped away from Hollywood in the early 2000s, choosing to live a quiet life in New Mexico with his wife, a former classical pianist. The couple had been married since 1991.
The news of Hackman’s passing has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and his legion of fans. Tributes are already pouring in for the acting legend, whose career spanned five decades and left an indelible mark on the film industry.
This is a developing story. More details will be provided as they emerge.
