Oscar-Winner Gene Hackman and Wife Found Dead: Autopsy Reveals No External Injuries

ByBrass Report Staff Reading Time: 3 minutes

Academy Award winner Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26, 2025, after a neighbor requested a welfare check. Preliminary autopsy reports show no external injuries on either body, though Arakawa’s remains indicated advanced decomposition. Sheriff Adan Mendoza is personally leading the investigation into the suspicious deaths, with investigators examining potential environmental factors and prescription medications found at the scene. The full story behind their final days continues to unfold.

Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26, 2025, after a neighbor requested a welfare check.

Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies discovered the bodies of Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 64, in different rooms of their residence at 1:45 pm local time, along with one of their three dogs. No forced entry was reported at the scene by investigators. The initial discovery came after a pest control worker noticed their extended absence from the property. Sheriff Adan Mendoza led the investigation personally.

While authorities initially found no signs of foul play, they’ve deemed the deaths “suspicious enough” to warrant a thorough investigation. The scene revealed several concerning details: a knocked-over heater, an open pill bottle with scattered medications near Arakawa’s body, and Hackman’s body positioned as if he’d fallen, with his sunglasses nearby. The front door was found ajar and open.

Preliminary autopsy reports showed no visible external injuries on either body, though Arakawa’s showed signs of decomposition, suggesting the deaths occurred at least a day before discovery. Authorities noted that Arakawa’s body exhibited bloating and mummification. The family suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, but investigations by the gas company and fire department haven’t revealed any obvious toxic fume sources.

The couple’s private lifestyle in Santa Fe, where they’d lived since their 1991 marriage, meant they were rarely seen in public, with their last appearance dating back to March 2024. Hackman, who retired from acting in 2004 to pursue writing novels, found support in Arakawa, a classical pianist born in Hawaii, who assisted with his literary endeavors. The actor had collaborated with Daniel Lenihan to write three historical novels during his retirement years.

Throughout his illustrious career, Hackman earned two Academy Awards for his performances in “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven.” The actor, who once expressed his desire to be remembered simply as “a decent actor,” shifted successfully from Hollywood to a quieter life as an author, with Arakawa by his side.

Investigators have obtained a search warrant to conduct a more detailed examination of the property. They’re currently analyzing prescription medications found at the scene and investigating potential environmental factors that might’ve contributed to the deaths.

Law enforcement continues to interview neighbors and possible witnesses to piece together the couple’s final days. Two of the couple’s dogs survived and have been taken into protective custody while authorities work to determine the official cause of death.

The presence of the knocked-over heater and scattered pills has prompted investigators to explore multiple scenarios, though they’re awaiting toxicology results before drawing any conclusions. The tight-knit Santa Fe community, where the couple had become beloved residents, awaits answers as the investigation unfolds.

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