Yesterday, authorities found Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog deceased in their residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The news of this tragedy has shocked his fans and the artistic community, while more details are awaited regarding the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
PUBLICIDAD
Local police made the discovery at the actor’s luxurious mansion, valorada en $3.8 millones, on Wednesday afternoon. Although authorities have not indicated any suspicion of criminal activity, they are awaiting a search warrant to further investigate the property.
PUBLICIDAD
Ongoing Research
The sheriff of Santa Fe County, Adan Mendoza, confirmed that “we are in the midst of a preliminary investigation into the deaths and awaiting the approval of a search warrant.” Although the cause of death has not yet been determined, the details that have emerged are harrowing and have left many in a state of shock.
According to a police statement, “on February 26, 2025, at approximately 1:45 PM, Santa Fe County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to an address on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park, where Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 64, along with their dog, were found deceased.” This statement has increased concern in the community, which is seeking answers about what happened.
The case has been declared as an “active investigation,” while the officers try to clarify what led to this tragedy. Sheriff Mendoza assured the community that “no hay peligro inmediato para nadie,” attempting to calm the fears of nearby residents.
The Life and Legacy of Gene Hackman
Gene Hackman, known for his iconic roles in movies such as “El francotirador” and “Los tres días del cóndor,” had previously expressed his fear of death, mentioning in an interview with Empire in 2009 that “no tengo muchos miedos. Tengo el miedo normal de fallecer.” He also added: “quiero asegurarme de que mi esposa y mi familia estén bien cuidados.”
The last public appearance of Hackman was in March 2024, where he was seen leaning on the arm of his wife while using a crane to walk. Despite his frail appearance, the couple enjoyed a dinner together at a local restaurant. Hackman had previously been married to Faye Maltese, with whom he had three children, and since 1991 he had been sharing his life with Betsy Arakawa.
The news of Hackman’s passing has generated a wave of tributes from his colleagues in the film industry. Actor George Takei expressed that “la obra de Gene vivirá para siempre,” while director Francis Ford Coppola remembered him as a “gran actor” and an “artista inspirador.”