Additional Coverage:
- Police disclose seven items found in Gene Hackman and wife’s home in search of answers (themirror.com)
Santa Fe, NM – Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Arakawa, were found deceased in their Santa Fe home on February 27, 2025. The discovery was made by a maintenance worker who contacted authorities after noting the couple hadn’t been seen recently.
Hackman, 95, known for iconic roles in films like The French Connection and Unforgiven, and Arakawa, 65, were found in separate areas of the residence. Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies secured the scene and collected several items, including two cell phones, medication bottles, over-the-counter pain relievers, medical records, and a planner.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that the couple had been deceased for a significant period. While initial observations revealed no signs of foul play or forced entry, investigators are awaiting autopsy results from the Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI). The OMI confirmed that preliminary autopsy findings showed no external trauma to either individual.
Although a back door was found open and the couple’s pets were loose, Sheriff Mendoza reported no indications of a struggle or missing items from the home. The New Mexico Gas Company inspected the property and found no gas leaks, though authorities acknowledge that gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning can sometimes present without obvious physical signs. Toxicology reports are pending.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths.