Additional Coverage:
Santa Fe, NM — Tragedy has struck the quiet community of Santa Fe, New Mexico, with the unexpected deaths of acclaimed actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65. The couple were found deceased in their Hyde Park home on Old Sunset Trail on Wednesday, February 26th, after a witness alerted authorities.
Police arrived to a grim scene, discovering Mr. Hackman in a room near the kitchen and Ms.
Arakawa in the bathroom. Authorities indicated the couple had been deceased for a significant period, with Ms.
Arakawa’s body showing signs of decomposition and mummification. One of the couple’s three dogs was also found deceased in the bathroom.
Two surviving dogs were found on the property, one near Ms. Arakawa’s body and the other roaming freely.
Santa Fe County Animal Control is now caring for the surviving animals in coordination with the family.
While the circumstances surrounding the deaths are currently unclear, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department has launched an investigation. Autopsy and toxicology reports are underway for both Mr.
Hackman and Ms. Arakawa, as well as for the deceased dog.
These reports, which may take up to six weeks to finalize, are expected to shed light on the cause of death.
Mr. Hackman’s daughter, Leslie, spoke to the press, dismissing concerns about her father’s age playing a role in his death.
She stated that despite his age, Mr. Hackman was in good physical condition, maintaining an active lifestyle with regular pilates and yoga.
She expressed the family’s shock and grief and indicated she would be traveling to New Mexico to assist authorities with their investigation. The investigation is ongoing.