Tragic Discovery: Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Found Deceased in Their Santa Fe Home
The iconic actor Gene Hackman, celebrated for his remarkable contributions to cinema, along with his beloved wife of over three decades, Betsy Arakawa, was discovered deceased in their residence located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 26, 2025. This heartbreaking incident was reported by two maintenance workers who unintentionally glimpsed their lifeless bodies through a window. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, they immediately contacted the caretaker responsible for the gated community where the couple resided, prompting a swift call to 911.
The urgency of the situation was evident in the 911 call, where the caretaker expressed concern, stating, “No, they are not moving. Please send someone out here quick,” as noted in an audio recording of the distressing moment.
Upon arrival, deputies from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office discovered Betsy Arakawa, aged 65, unresponsive on the bathroom floor adjacent to the front door. She was dressed in a sweatshirt and sweatpants, as detailed in a search warrant affidavit obtained by E! News. Disturbingly, the bathroom countertop contained an open prescription pill bottle along with scattered loose pills, raising significant concerns about the circumstances surrounding her untimely passing.
Meanwhile, Gene Hackman, at the age of 95, was located on the floor of a mudroom situated near the kitchen. Notably, a walking cane and sunglasses were found in close proximity to his body, suggesting a sudden and tragic turn of events.
Tragically, among the couple’s three dogs, one was found deceased in a bathroom closet. Initially misidentified as their German shepherd, Bear, this dog was later confirmed to be their Australian Kelpie mix named Zinna. Fortunately, another dog appeared to be healthy and was discovered near Betsy’s body, while the third dog was seen running around outside, seemingly unharmed.
A search warrant was executed at the residence around 9:30 PM on February 26, with the bodies of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa being removed the following morning, marking a somber end to a life filled with artistic achievements and personal love.
