The world is mourning the loss of legendary actor Gene Hackman, who was found deceased in his Santa Fe home this past Wednesday. Alongside him were his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog—both also tragically passed away.
At 95, Hackman had lived a long and remarkable life, yet the sudden passing of his wife, Betsy, who was only 63, has left many questioning the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
In an interview with TMZ, Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, expressed uncertainty about what may have led to the tragedy but suggested that carbon monoxide poisoning could be a possible cause. “The house is fairly modern, built in 2000,” she noted. “But we don’t know if there were any issues with gas leaks or if there were any recent service calls to the property.”
Authorities acted swiftly after a concerned neighbor requested a welfare check. Deputies discovered the bodies and were soon joined by gas company officials and fire department personnel to ensure there were no lingering toxic fumes that could pose further risk.
Despite the heartbreaking circumstances, Elizabeth reflected on her father’s peaceful retirement. After stepping away from Hollywood in 2004, Gene and Betsy built a quiet life in New Mexico, where he pursued painting. She also shared that her father’s favorite film was The French Connection, a role that solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s greatest actors.
Over his career, Hackman appeared in more than 70 films, leaving behind an enduring legacy in cinema. In 2009, he revealed that a stress test in New York had contributed to his decision to retire. “The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a stress test,” he told Empire. “The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress.”
Elizabeth did not speak directly about his health, but she recalled a rare public appearance just last March, where Hackman was seen walking with a cane, supported by Betsy.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities ruling out immediate signs of foul play. However, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Adan Mendoza, continues to explore all possibilities to determine the cause of this devastating loss.
Hackman and Arakawa had been married since 1991. He had celebrated his 95th birthday in late January, though concerns about his frailty had surfaced following a public sighting last year.
Spanning four decades, Hackman’s career in Hollywood was nothing short of extraordinary. The actor and author quietly stepped away from the industry in the late 2000s, having hinted in a 2004 interview with Larry King that he had no future projects lined up.
The loss of Gene Hackman, along with his wife and their dog, leaves a significant void in the world of film and in the hearts of those who admired his work.
As the Hackman family mourns this tremendous loss, they remain committed to uncovering the truth behind this tragic event.
