Suspicious Death Of Gene Hackman, Wife Betsy Arakawa And Their Dog

Oscar-winner actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have been dead for “Quite while” after maintenance workers discovered their bodies in their home on 26 February 2025, Wednesday afternoon in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Police say.

Gene Hackman, an American actor, was 95 years old (30 January 1930 – 26 February 2025). Over four decades, he received two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, and was an Oscar-winning actor. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65 years old (1 December 1961 – 26 February 2025), was a classical pianist.

Actor Gene Hackman was found in a side room near the kitchen, while his wife, Betsy Arakawa, was found in a bathroom. A space heater was next to her head, and a prescription bottle & scattered pills were found near her body. The couple’s German shepherd dog was found dead in a bathroom closet near to Ms. Arakawa.

Authorities reported no signs of injury but deemed the death “Suspicious enough” to investigate. There is no indication of Gunshot or had been any wounds that would indicate foul play. And no cause of death was given. A Sheriff’s Office detectives who responded to the scene said that they believed the couple had been dead for “quite while” because Ms. Arakawa’s body was decomposed and mummification in the hands and feet!

Following the tragic discovery of the bodies, the New Mexico Gas Company tested the gas lines in and around the residence, according to the warrant. A detective noted that their initial findings showed no signs of any issues, and the fire department confirmed no evidence of carbon monoxide leak or poisoning. But he noted that people exposed to gas leaks or carbon monoxide might not show signs of poisoning.

They don’t have clear evidence that it’s any type of homicide and it also doesn’t look like some planned double-suicide. The official results of the autopsy and toxicology reports are still pending. This remains an open investigation.