Gene Hackman spent his later years far from the public eye, settling into a quiet life in Santa Fe. The sprawling home he meticulously redesigned became his sanctuary, surrounded by miles of open land. It was meant to be a peaceful retreat, but now, it has become the focus of an investigation following a grim discovery.

The Hollywood legend and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead inside their secluded residence, along with one of their dogs. They had lived there for years, choosing privacy over the limelight. But the home that once provided solace has now become the center of an ongoing inquiry. As authorities search for answers, a single image offers a rare glimpse into the place where they spent their final days.

On the afternoon of February 26, 2025, a maintenance worker arrived at Hackman’s home for routine work. As he approached the house, he noticed the front door was ajar. Through a window, he saw a woman lying motionless on the floor. Unable to enter, he immediately called 911. When authorities arrived, they found Hackman, 95, in the entryway and Arakawa, 63, in the bathroom. A space heater was placed near Arakawa’s head, while a cane lay close to Hackman’s body.

A German shepherd was found dead inside a closet kennel, while two other dogs were discovered alive—one inside the home and the other outside. Investigators noted no signs of forced entry, struggle, or theft. Sheriff Adan Mendoza later confirmed, “There was no indication of a struggle. There was no indication of anything that was missing from the home or disturbed that would suggest a crime had occurred.”

The New Mexico Gas Company conducted an inspection and found no leaks, while the Fire Department tested for carbon monoxide, ruling out poisoning as an immediate cause. Despite these findings, authorities have not ruled out any possibilities. Autopsy and toxicology results remain pending as investigators work to determine what transpired within the Santa Fe residence.

For Hackman, Santa Fe was a place of retreat. After a five-decade career, he retired in 2004 at the age of 74, walking away from acting without fanfare or public announcements. It wasn’t a loss of passion that drove his decision, but a matter of health. He later revealed that a stress test in New York had been a turning point, with doctors advising him to avoid undue strain on his heart. Taking their warnings seriously, he never returned to acting. Instead, he embraced a life away from Hollywood, spending his days writing novels and working on his home.

Hackman’s Santa Fe property, spanning 12 acres, was a product of his own vision. Drawn to the region after filming several movies there, he purchased the home and undertook extensive renovations. Architect Stephen Samuelson recalled its condition before the remodel, describing it as “a 1950s block building that had sat empty and deteriorated.” Hackman and Arakawa envisioned a more open design, integrating high ceilings, French doors, and abundant natural light—departing from traditional adobe styles.

To achieve this transformation, they removed 90 percent of the roof and restructured the interior to create a more expansive layout. The final design blended pueblo, colonial New Mexico, and Spanish Baroque styles. Hackman personally oversaw every detail, from selecting finishes to mixing paint colors himself. Even in retirement, he remained deeply involved in maintaining and improving the home.