Gene Hackman, the renowned 95-year-old Oscar-winning actor, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63, were tragically found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 26, 2025. The circumstances surrounding their deaths have raised eyebrows, with local authorities declaring the situation as ‘suspicious’ yet without clear signs of foul play. The couple's bodies were found alongside one of their dogs, which has only compounded the intrigue surrounding this somber event.
Initially, there was confusion about which of the couple's dogs was found dead. Preliminary reports by the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office inaccurately identified the deceased dog as Bear, their beloved German Shepherd. Much to the relief of pet lovers and the couple’s supporters, Bear was later confirmed alive and well at a local pet daycare. Instead, the deceased canine turned out to be Zinna, their 12-year-old Australian Kelpie mix, whose body was discovered locked inside a crate at the estate. "Our deputies do not deal with canines on a daily basis and I cannot currently speak to the condition or state of the dog's body upon discovery," stated Denise Womack-Avila from the Sheriff’s Office.
Hackman and Arakawa were long-time residents of Santa Fe, having withdrawn from the public eye for years prior to their passing. They lived here quietly, blending seamlessly with the local community. Family and friends described the couple as private individuals who cherished their time together away from Hollywood. Sadly, the community was shaken by the news of their demise, particularly highlighting the deep connections Hackman formed during his time living there.
After the discovery of the couple's bodies, local authorities launched an investigation, delving deep to determine the cause of death. Although initial speculations included the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning, extensive testing by the New Mexico Gas Company revealed no significant findings apart from minor operational issues. They confirmed, "The New Mexico Gas Company conducted extensive investigations for gas leaks and carbon monoxide and made no significant findings." The investigation did find a minor leak (~0.33% gas), which authorities deemed non-lethal.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed during press briefings the couple had tested negative for carbon monoxide. Autopsies revealed no external trauma, yet the condition of the bodies indicated they may have been deceased for over a week prior to their discovery. Mendoza noted, "The last event recorded on Hackman's pacemaker occurred on February 17," indicating he may have passed away shortly thereafter.
Visual evidence from the scene painted a challenging narrative — Arakawa was found on the floor of the bathroom next to scattered pills, accompanied by signs of natural decomposition. Meanwhile, Hackman was located near the kitchen, displaying similar signs. Investigators discovered no obvious signs of trauma or altercation but deemed the circumstances around their deaths required thorough investigation.
Investigators are currently reviewing digital evidence, including cell phones found on the premises, to piece together the couple's last days. Former LAPD captain Jerry Rodriguez emphasized the necessity of analyzing cell phone data and the relevance of other digital evidence. He noted, "When there’s no obvious sign of foul play... it’s really a joint effort between law enforcement and the medical examiner to determine the manner and cause of death." This collaboration highlights the confusion initially surrounding the couple's passing, compounded by the complexity of their private lifestyles.
The involvement of local law enforcement has also spurred scrutiny as the community seeks transparency surrounding the investigation. Hackman and Arakawa were described by those who knew them as supportive, loving, and incredibly woven within the fabric of the Santa Fe community. Over the coming weeks, investigators aim to deliver additional insights as they analyze the couple's digital traces for clues.
Though the investigation is expected to take time as authorities await toxicology reports and additional forensic findings, the public's interest remains high. What led to the tragic deaths of two of Santa Fe's beloved residents? Did they succumb to natural causes, or are there more sinister explanations lurking beneath the surface? For now, the memorialization of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa continues within their cherished community, as residents reflect on the enduring legacy they left behind.