Gene Hackman’s family has expressed their devastation following the deaths of the Hollywood legend and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, as authorities continue their investigation.
The 95-year-old French Connection and Unforgiven star was found dead alongside his 63-year-old wife, a classical pianist, at their Santa Fe home on Wednesday, February 26.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza has not disclosed the couple’s cause of death but confirmed that one of their three dogs was also found deceased.
“We’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant,” Mendoza said in a statement on Thursday.
Family’s Statement
Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, along with his granddaughter Annie, issued a statement to the New York Post expressing their grief:
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy.
He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa.
We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”
Investigation Updates
While the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office has stated they do not suspect foul play, they have not entirely ruled it out. Authorities found no immediate signs of external trauma but noted that the circumstances surrounding the scene were “suspicious enough” to warrant further investigation, according to an affidavit for a search warrant.
A maintenance worker first discovered the scene after finding the front door of the home unlocked.
Inside, investigators found Betsy Arakawa’s body on the bathroom floor next to a space heater. The affidavit suggests the heater “could have fallen in the event [she] abruptly fell to the ground.” Nearby, an open prescription bottle was found with pills scattered on the countertop.
Authorities also noted that Arakawa’s body showed signs of decomposition, with “mummification” observed in her hands and feet.
Hackman was found in a different room, lying on the floor beside a walking cane and sunglasses, leading investigators to believe he had “suddenly fallen.”
Carbon Monoxide Ruled Out
As part of the investigation, the Santa Fe City Fire Department tested for carbon monoxide exposure but found no evidence of a leak or poisoning. The New Mexico Gas Company also conducted tests on the residence’s gas lines and confirmed no signs of carbon monoxide presence.
Authorities have vowed to conduct a thorough search and continue their investigation into the couple’s mysterious deaths.
