Washington [US]: Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza has confirmed that an investigation is underway following the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
Preliminary Findings
- The couple was discovered deceased on February 26, 2025, by maintenance workers.
- Early evidence suggests that Hackman may have passed away over a week before their bodies were found.
- Their bodies were located in separate rooms of their residence, with one of their dogs also found dead nearby.
- No apparent signs of foul play have been detected, and carbon monoxide poisoning has been ruled out.
Sheriff Mendoza stated:
“Based on our investigation, we can say with some certainty that Gene Hackman’s pacemaker recorded its last event on February 17, 2025. The investigation is still ongoing, and we are awaiting further details from the final autopsy and toxicology reports, which may take months to complete.”
Disturbing Scene Reported
A February 26 affidavit described a troubling scene:
- A deceased dog was found in a bathroom closet near Arakawa.
- Pills were scattered next to Arakawa, and a heater appeared to have been moved.
- Hackman was found in a separate room with no visible signs of struggle.
Authorities have not confirmed if the medications found at the scene—Diltiazem, Tylenol, and thyroid medication—played a role in their deaths.
Remembering Gene Hackman
Gene Hackman, 95, was a two-time Academy Award winner, earning Oscars for:
- The French Connection (1971)
- Unforgiven (1992)
He also received nominations for:
- Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
- I Never Sang for My Father (1970)
- Mississippi Burning (1988)
Hackman was widely recognized for his portrayal of Lex Luthor in Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980). Other notable films include:
- The Conversation (1974)
- Hoosiers (1986)
- The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
- Enemy of the State (1998)
His last film appearance was in Welcome to Mooseport (2004), after which he retired from acting.
Investigation Continues
Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of death, and Sheriff Mendoza emphasized that the investigation remains in its early stages. The final autopsy and toxicology results are expected in the coming months.