Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Wednesday. The couple, aged 95 and 65 respectively, showed no signs of external trauma, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. While the circumstances of their deaths remain unclear, investigations are ongoing.
CNN obtained the audio from the 911 call made by a caretaker at Hackman’s estate just before 2 p.m. on Wednesday. The Hollywood legend’s passing has left fans and the entertainment industry mourning the loss of a true icon. His daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, and granddaughter, Annie, shared a heartfelt statement with People Magazine, expressing their devastation. They described Hackman as not only a brilliant actor but a beloved father and grandfather.
Authorities responded to the home following a welfare check request. According to the affidavit, scattered pills were found near Arakawa’s body in the bathroom, along with an open prescription bottle and a space heater near her head. A dog was discovered dead in the closet. Hackman’s body was found in a separate room near the kitchen, leading investigators to suspect he had collapsed suddenly. The home showed no signs of forced entry or theft, and two other dogs were found alive.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office released a statement saying foul play was not suspected at this time. However, the investigation remains open, with toxicology and autopsy reports pending. A detective seeking a search warrant noted that the scene was suspicious enough to warrant a thorough examination.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza emphasized the importance of the toxicology results, as there were no clear signs of struggle or foul play. The family has not ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as a possible cause, though the affidavit stated that no immediate signs of a leak were found. Leslie Hackman mentioned in an interview with the Daily Mail that her father was in good physical condition despite his age. He remained active, practicing yoga and Pilates several times a week.
While the family continues to process the tragedy, Leslie admitted that her father’s death was not entirely shocking due to his age. She noted that they had not spoken in a few months, though their relationship remained close.
Born in San Bernardino, California, in 1930, Gene Hackman’s early years were shaped by hardship. At 16, he lied about his age to join the Marines but was later discharged after a serious motorbike accident. He later pursued acting with the support of his first wife, Faye Maltese, enrolling at the Pasadena Playhouse. Despite early struggles—where he and classmate Dustin Hoffman were labeled “least likely to succeed”—Hackman went on to become one of the most celebrated actors of all time.
His career took off with Bonnie & Clyde in 1968, earning him his first Academy Award nomination. He won Best Actor in 1972 for The French Connection and later took home another Oscar for Unforgiven in 1993. With standout performances in films like Hoosiers and The Royal Tenenbaums, Hackman solidified his place in Hollywood history. His final film was Welcome to Mooseport in 2004, after which he retired from acting.
Hackman had three children with Faye Maltese: Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie. After their divorce in 1986, he married classical pianist Betsy Arakawa in 1991, and they remained together until their passing. Leslie spoke highly of her father’s marriage to Betsy, crediting her for taking great care of him and ensuring his well-being.
Hollywood icons Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman shared statements honoring Hackman’s legacy. Eastwood praised him as an intense, instinctive actor and a dear friend he would miss deeply. Freeman took to Instagram to reflect on their collaborations, particularly Under Suspicion and Unforgiven.
As the investigation continues, the Hackman family remains determined to uncover the truth. The world has lost a cinematic legend and a devoted husband and father. Rest in peace, Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa. Their memory will live on through the countless lives they touched and the unforgettable performances they left behind.