Gene Hackman, the esteemed Academy Award-winning actor, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were tragically found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26, 2025. The couple, along with their pet dog, had not been seen for several days before maintenance workers discovered them.
Gene Hackman’s Santa Fe Residence
The couple’s Santa Fe home was a significant departure from their previous residence in Montecito, California. In Montecito, Hackman owned a Mediterranean-style estate on twenty-five acres, characterized by formal symmetry and expansive gardens. Architectural Digest featured this property, highlighting its grandeur and the couple’s personalized interior design choices.
Circumstances Surrounding Their Deaths
At the time of their discovery, both Gene, 95, and Betsy, 65, had been deceased for several days. Gene was found near the kitchen, while Betsy was in the bathroom with prescription pills nearby. Authorities have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning and external trauma as causes of death. Chief Medical Examiner James Gill suggested that stress and emotional shock could have contributed, possibly leading to cardiac events.
Investigation and Public Reaction
The deaths are under investigation, with no signs of foul play. The Santa Fe community and fans worldwide have expressed shock and sadness over the loss of the beloved actor and his wife.
