As the sheriff’s deputy approached the front door of a modest, olive-green ranch house at 1325 Old Sunset Trail in the hills of Santa Fe, New Mexico, he couldn’t shake a feeling of unease. The two maintenance workers who had alerted the authorities stood off to the side as Officer Joshua Thomas entered the home, where actor Gene Hackman had lived a quiet life with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their three dogs.
Inside, the first lifeless body was quickly discovered in a bathroom to the left of the entrance. It was Betsy, age 64, and it was clear from Officer Thomas’s observations that she had been deceased for some time. He noted signs of decomposition, including bloating in her face and mummified hands and feet. Nearby, a deceased German shepherd, one of the couple’s dogs, compounded the tragic scene.
Moving to the kitchen area, the deputy found Gene Hackman, who was 95 years old, lying on the floor dressed in gray sweatpants and brown slippers. His cane and a pair of sunglasses were positioned close by. According to a search warrant issued by the sheriff’s office, Hackman showed similar signs of decomposition as his wife.
The maintenance workers had noticed the couple had not been seen for about two weeks, prompting their call to the police. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that while the circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths were suspicious, there was no indication of foul play. A thorough investigation was necessary to understand what had happened.
As police looked into the case, the news reverberated throughout Hollywood, honoring one of its most respected actors. Gene Hackman was known as a five-time Oscar nominee and two-time winner, celebrated for his complex and memorable performances in films like “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven”.
Clint Eastwood, who starred alongside Hackman in “Unforgiven,” expressed his sorrow, calling him a fantastic actor and a dear friend. Francis Ford Coppola, who directed Hackman in “The Conversation,” noted the loss of a great artist, praising Hackman’s remarkable contributions to cinema. Even Prince William shared his condolences, recognizing Hackman’s genius in bringing characters to life with authenticity.
The unusual circumstances around the couple’s deaths raised some concerns in the community. Detectives assured the public that there was no broader threat, as there were no signs of trauma or a struggle. Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth, mentioned concerns about possible carbon monoxide poisoning, but preliminary investigations found no evidence of a gas leak.
Despite their challenges, Hackman’s family described him as someone who was physically well for his age, regularly participating in Pilates and yoga before his passing. Leslie, Hackman’s other daughter, spoke highly of the care Betsy provided, emphasizing their loving relationship.
The deputy found a black space heater close to Betsy and speculated that it may have caused her to fall if it had tipped over. There were no signs of forced entry into the couple’s home, and nothing seemed to be out of place.
Hackman and Betsy had made Santa Fe their home since at least 2004, enjoying a peaceful life together after their marriage in 1991. He had three children from his first marriage. In recent years, the actor was less visible, with people noticing his frailty when he was spotted in public.
Having retired from acting in 2004, Hackman was one of the few stars who left the industry on his own terms. Acknowledging the toll that Hollywood took on one’s life, he once shared that the business aspect of showbiz could be overwhelming, especially as he faced health challenges. His last film was “Welcome to Mooseport,” and he had since chosen to lead a quieter existence, avoiding the demands of his previous career. His legacy and impact on the film industry will likely be celebrated at the Oscars, a testament to his extraordinary life and work.