Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s Deaths: A Chronology of What We Know So Far

Stay with us for the latest updates as the story unfolds.

Gene Hackman’s Daughters Spotted Out for the First Time Since Their Father Was Found Dead

The iconic actor’s daughters were seen in public for the first time following his shocking death alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The sisters appeared to be in good spirits as they dined together in California.

On Thursday, Elizabeth and Leslie Hackman were seen stepping out together, seemingly coping as they grabbed a meal at the all-day breakfast chain. Photos obtained by DailyMail.com captured the sisters arriving at the restaurant in a gray SUV.

The outing came one day after Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home. Despite the tragedy, the sisters managed to share a smile as they left.

“I know people grieve differently but when your dad was found like he did and also deaths being investigated they look way to [sic] happy and relaxed,” one social media user commented.

Another shared, “Their smiles look awfully disturbing,” while a third typed, “They look very happy..why?!” “This whole thing is just weird and strange,” a fourth person typed while a fifth added, “Excited for the life insurance coming.” Another social media user remarked, “Looking like they just hit the lottery.”

Leslie had previously done an exclusive interview, breaking her silence on their father’s passing. “We were close. I hadn’t talked to them for a couple months, but everything was normal and everything was good,” she shared.

Gene Hackman’s daughters previously described him as a private person and said he had been in good health prior to his sudden death. The family continues to wait for more answers as the investigation unfolds.

Gene Hackman’s Family Speaks Out Following His Death – Details

This week, Gene Hackman and his wife were mysteriously found dead at their home, and the situation is being investigated by the police. His heartbroken daughters revealed that they had not spoken to or seen him in recent months.

On February 26, 2025, news broke that Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home, shocking the world. At the time of their deaths, the actor was 95, and his wife was 64.

The couple’s bodies were discovered in separate rooms of their $3.8 million home. Gene and his wife’s neighbor and caretaker called emergency services after discovering the bodies. Since the news emerged, some of Gene’s family members have shared their thoughts and grief about the matter.

The day after his death, Leslie Anne and Elizabeth Hackman, two of the late actor’s three children, along with his granddaughter, Annie, broke their silence with a statement. They said, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy.”

Their statement continued, “He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa.” The trio concluded, “We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”

On the day the statement was released, Leslie shared her thoughts on her father’s death. She revealed to a publication that the family was awaiting information from law enforcement to determine the couple’s cause of death.

Leslie and Elizabeth can only speculate that the couple might have died from inhaling toxic fumes, possibly due to a carbon monoxide leak. Their father and stepmother were not the only ones who perished in the house; one of their three dogs also passed away.

According to Leslie, the family is still processing the incident since “there was no indication that there was any problem” with Gene before his death. The 58-year-old revealed, “Despite his age, he was in very good physical condition.”

She shared that he enjoyed doing yoga and Pilates several times a week and was in good health. The late star’s daughter also noted that the actor had not undergone any major surgeries in recent months. However, Leslie admitted that losing him was “not terribly shocking because he was 95.”

As a California resident, Gene’s daughter acknowledged that it had been “a few months” since she last saw or heard from her reclusive father, despite their close bond. Leslie explained, “We were close. I hadn’t talked to them for a couple of months, but everything was normal, and everything was good.”

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office stated that the couple’s bodies had been in their home for at least a day before deputies found them. An arrest warrant revealed that both bodies showed signs of decomposition while the affidavit deemed the deaths “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.”

Leslie intends to go to New Mexico as soon as she receives feedback from the police. She explained, “We need to wait and find out whatever information from the police. We weren’t expecting to have to go out there and go through the house and all that.”

Gene’s daughter continued, “So we have some work cut out for us. But yeah, we’ll be going out to New Mexico.” The late actor’s first wife was Faye Maltese, with whom he welcomed Leslie, her sister, and their older brother, Christopher Allen.

The “Superman” star and his first wife, a bank clerk, were married from 1956 to 1986. Speaking about her father and Betsy’s marriage, Leslie said, “They had a wonderful marriage. And I give credit to his wife, Betsy, for keeping him alive.”

She continued, “'[Betsy] took very, very good care of him and was always looking out for his health. So I am appreciative to her for that, and I’m very saddened by her passing.”

On the same day Leslie opened up, Tim Hackman, Gene’s nephew, also shared his thoughts. Tim revealed that he and his side of the family learned about his uncle and his wife’s death through Leslie before the news broke. He also mentioned that Leslie was the family member who had the most contact with the late couple.

The 51-year-old relative shared that he found out the truth on Wednesday night and was saddened to learn that his uncle’s death was not natural. When asked if Gene had any significant health issues, he responded, “I mean, he was old. I’m sure he had some [health] concerns, but nothing that was shared.”

Barbara Hackman, Tim’s mother, was married to Gene’s brother, Richard, who worked as the late actor’s stuntman and passed away 11 years ago. Tim also shared the last time he saw the late star, stating, “Eleven years ago was the last time I physically saw him. He only came to California during the warm weather, and then he just stayed in New Mexico.”

Despite it being over a decade, Tim clarified that Gene was not “estranged” from the rest of the family. The late actor’s nephew elaborated, “He liked New Mexico. He loved it. It’s a beautiful place.”

Tim revealed that he mostly communicated with his uncle through Betsy, but they only spoke “every once in a while” since Gene was “at the age where he wasn’t really communicative a lot with the family.”

Most of their communication involved Tim giving Betsy updates on how he and his children were doing “because our major connection was the military background, but that was it really.” He recalled how Betsy would inform him that his uncle was doing well and staying active for his age.

Like Leslie, Tim believed his wife cared deeply for Gene, insisting, “I truly believe he made it as long as he did because of her.” Since there was a 31-year age difference between the late couple, the Hackman family anticipated that he would pass away first, leaving his wife to handle the funeral arrangements.

However, with both of them now gone, the family has had to make contingency plans. Tim noted, “So the preparedness of it was that he would go first and that we would probably, maybe, depending on whatever it was [Betsy] had set up, would go down there and pay our condolences and everything.”

He continued, “Now with this, it significantly changes things. I have no idea what – I’m assuming one of his kids will probably take over – and [plan]. I don’t know. It’s still very, very early.”

While Gene’s funeral plans are currently uncertain, the distressing 911 call made by the couple’s caretaker has been released. On the recording, it was clear the caller was shaken as they hesitated to reveal that they had found two bodies.

The dispatcher responded by immediately sending paramedics while the caretaker was heard sniffling and repeatedly cursing. The caller struggled to give details when asked about the individuals they had discovered, unable to provide their ages or genders.

With no way to enter the home, the caretaker remained outside, noting through a window that neither Gene Hackman nor his wife appeared to be moving. The caller told the dispatcher, “No, dude, they’re not moving. Just send somebody out here really quick.”

The police arrived shortly afterward, confirming the devastating news. According to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, preliminary autopsies showed no external trauma to either individual.

Authorities stated that toxicology tests have been requested, and while foul play is not suspected, it has not been entirely ruled out.

Police Label Gene Hackman and His Wife Betsy Arakawa’s Death as ‘Suspicious’ – Details

A quiet Santa Fe neighborhood has become the center of a chilling investigation, as authorities probe the sudden and unexplained deaths of Hollywood icon Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.

Legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead inside their Santa Fe home, with police now classifying their deaths as suspicious.

Authorities are actively investigating the puzzling circumstances, which also involved the death of one of the couple’s dogs.

According to TMZ, the bodies were found by two maintenance workers who reported that they had not seen them for approximately two weeks. When the workers arrived and discovered the bodies, they noticed that the front door was ajar. However, authorities stated that there were no signs of forced entry.

A search warrant obtained by TMZ revealed that a Santa Fe detective, in an affidavit, stated that he believed “the death of the two deceased individuals to be suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation because the reporting party found the front door of the residence unsecured and opened.”

The affidavit revealed several troubling details. Deputies found a healthy dog running loose outside, while another healthy dog was near Ms. Arakawa’s body. A third dog was discovered deceased 10 to 15 feet away inside a bathroom closet.

Investigators also noted that a heater had been moved, a pill bottle was open with pills scattered near Ms. Arakawa, and Mr. Hackman’s body was found in a different room. Deputies observed no clear signs of a gas leak, according to the affidavit.

Ms. Arakawa was reportedly found in the bathroom, while Mr. Hackman was discovered lying in the mud room.

Both were in similar physical states when found. Mr. Hackman was wearing gray sweatpants, a blue long-sleeve T-shirt, and brown slippers, and he was found with a cane nearby.

A pair of sunglasses was also placed to his left, the affidavit said. One deputy noted that it appeared Mr. Hackman had “suddenly fallen.”

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza told The New York Times in a phone interview that no visible signs of trauma were found on either body.

Investigators also confirmed that no note was left at the scene. Sheriff Mendoza added that the search of the property was still ongoing as of Thursday, February 27, 2025.

The timeline of events remains unclear, but deputies believe the couple’s bodies had been in the home for at least a day before they were discovered.

According to TMZ, Sheriff Mendoza has not ruled out any possibilities, stating that the deaths could be the result of a double homicide, a suicide, accidental causes, or natural causes.

As the investigation progresses, new information has surfaced about how the bodies were initially found.

According to AP News, a maintenance worker discovered the couple during a scheduled visit to the home on Wednesday, February 26.

The worker reported that the front door was open when he arrived, which led him to contact law enforcement. However, during a 911 call, the worker said he was not able to enter the house at that time.

When the operator asked if the individuals inside were breathing, the worker replied, “I have no idea. I am not inside the house. It’s closed. It’s locked. I can’t go in. But I can see she’s laying [sic] down on the floor from the window.”

The maintenance worker and a second worker, who also spoke to authorities, stated they rarely saw the homeowners and had not had contact with them for about two weeks.

In the days following the discovery, authorities moved quickly to perform autopsies on both Hackman and Arakawa. The results provided the first glimpse into what may have led to their sudden deaths — and brought a new layer of clarity to the puzzling case.

Distressing 911 Call Reveals Moment Gene Hackman & Wife Betsy Arakawa Were Found Dead at Their Home

A newly obtained 911 call has shed light on the tragic discovery of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, found dead in their residence. The caller, overcome with emotion, pleaded with dispatchers for urgent assistance.

Authorities responded to a distressing 911 call after a caretaker stumbled upon an unresponsive Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa inside their home. The caller, audibly shaken, hesitated before stating they had possibly found two bodies.

While the dispatcher urgently dispatched paramedics, the caretaker could be heard sniffling and repeatedly saying, “Damn.” When asked about the individuals inside, they struggled to provide details, uncertain of their ages or genders.

The caller remained outside, unable to enter, only able to see through a window that neither Gene nor Betsy appeared to be moving. “No, dude, they’re not moving. Just send somebody out here really quick,” the caretaker told the dispatcher.

Law enforcement arrived shortly after to confirm the devastating news. The community now mourns the loss of the beloved actor and his wife as investigations continue.

Initial findings from preliminary autopsies showed no external trauma to either individual, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. The couple was found in separate rooms along with their deceased dog.

Authorities say the cause of death remained undetermined at the time of writing, and toxicology tests have been requested. While foul play is not suspected, officials have not ruled it out entirely.

“The circumstances surrounding the death of the two deceased individuals [are considered] to be suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation,” a sheriff’s deputy said in the affidavit for a search warrant.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated, “There was no obvious sign or indication of foul play,” adding that there was no evidence of a struggle or missing items either.

However, the couple had been deceased for quite some time before they were found. “The autopsy is going to be key, and the toxicology,” the sheriff said, emphasizing that investigators are proceeding cautiously to ensure accuracy in their findings.

Scattered pills were found near Betsy, who was discovered lying on the bathroom floor next to an open bottle of prescription medication and a space heater. A dog was found dead in a closet nearby.

Gene’s body was located in another room near the kitchen, with the affidavit noting that the deputy suspected he had “suddenly fallen.” Two other healthy dogs were found elsewhere on the property.

The home’s front door was open and unsecured, but there were no signs of forced entry or theft. The actor’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, told reporters that the family suspects toxic fumes may have played a role in their deaths.

However, authorities found no immediate evidence of a carbon monoxide or natural gas leak. The search warrant allowed investigators to examine combustible materials, controlled substances, weapons, DNA, and any other potential evidence, though it remains unclear what, if anything, was seized.

In a statement, the iconic actor’s daughters and granddaughter shared their heartbreak, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy.”

“He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely,” the statement continued. As Hollywood mourns, tributes have poured in from fellow celebrities and fans.

Director Francis Ford Coppola, who collaborated with Gene on “The Conversation,” posted, “The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration: Gene Hackman a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution.”

Award-winning actress Valerie Perrine, who starred alongside Gene in “Superman,” wrote on X, “The great Gene Hackman has passed away. He was a genius & 1 of the greatest to grace the silver screen. I had the honor of working with him on Superman. His performances are legendary. His talent will be missed. Goodbye my sweet Lex. Till we meet again.”

The BAFTAs also honored Gene, sharing, “We are saddened to hear that the much-celebrated actor Gene Hackman has died aged 95. Hackman’s illustrious career spanned over six decades and earned him BAFTA wins for his work in Unforgiven, The French Connection, and The Poseidon Adventure.”

Initial Autopsy Report Released Following the Deaths of Actor Gene Hackman and His Wife, Betsy Arakawa — Details

Authorities have released initial autopsy findings after the sudden deaths of the Hollywood actor and his wife, revealing new details as the investigation continues.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office announced on their official Facebook page that after conducting examinations on February 27, 2025, investigators found no signs of foul play in the sudden deaths of actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63.

While the cause of death remains unknown, investigators have ordered additional tests. Autopsies revealed no external trauma on either individual, prompting further examination.

They have requested carbon monoxide and toxicology tests, which could take weeks. The results may determine whether environmental factors or toxic substances played a role.

As the investigation progressed, new findings deepened the mystery. Authorities are calling the deaths of Hackman and his wife “suspicious.”

According to a search warrant obtained by TMZ, a Santa Fe detective stated in an affidavit, “the death of the two deceased individuals to be suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation because the reporting party found the front door of the residence unsecured and opened.”

The affidavit detailed several unusual findings: a healthy dog roaming the property, another near Arakawa’s body, and a deceased dog found 10 to 15 feet away in a bathroom closet. Investigators also discovered a displaced space heater, an open pill bottle with scattered pills near Arakawa, and Hackman’s body in a separate room.

Despite these observations, the affidavit added that there were “no obvious signs of a gas leak.”

Oscar-Winning Actor Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa Found Dead in Their Home – Details

The legendary actor and his wife, a classical pianist, had been married since 1991 and were rarely seen in public.

Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe Summit home on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 26. Authorities have not suspected foul play, but an investigation is ongoing.

A caretaker was the first to discover the bodies of Hackman and Arakawa, according to a 911 call made just before 2 p.m. local time on Wednesday. An affidavit later stated that maintenance workers also found the couple deceased.

The caller, visibly distressed, informed emergency responders that they were unable to enter the home. However, they could see two unresponsive individuals through the window. The caretaker informed the dispatcher, “No, dude, they’re not moving. Just send somebody out here really quick.”

Sheriff deputies arrived at Hackman and Arakawa’s home on Old Sunset Trail in response to this call, where they found the couple and their dog deceased.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza later confirmed just after midnight on Thursday that the actor, his wife, and their pet had passed away. Mendoza stated that there were no immediate signs of foul play. However, he did not disclose a cause of death or estimate when the couple had passed.

The sheriff has also notified the public that he and his team are in the middle of preliminary investigations as they wait on the approval of the search warrant. He also assured the community of their safety, adding that they were in no imminent danger.

Gene Hackman. who had left the limelight, lived an adventurous life, experiencing a winding path before his Hollywood breakthrough. He was 36 when he gained recognition in 1967’s “Bonnie and Clyde,” a role he landed after missing out on playing Mr. Robinson in “The Graduate.”

Before that, he served in the Marines and struggled to make ends meet in California and New York. At times he shared an apartment with roommates, one who was “Graduate” star Dustin Hoffman. Hackman also took on various jobs, including working as a truck driver and doorman.

After his Hollywood debut, Hackman starred in films like “The French Connection,” “Hoosiers,” “Unforgiven,” and “The Firm,” where his performances put him into the leading-man territory.

The actor, who often portrayed conflicted authority figures or cunning white-collar villains, brought depth and intensity to his roles.

His portrayal of Lex Luthor in the “Superman” films of the 1970s and 1980s remains one of his most recognizable performances. In this role, he showcased a mix of intelligence and menace.

Hackman’s talent earned him two Academy Awards. He won his first Oscar for playing relentless New York cop Popeye Doyle in 1971’s “The French Connection.” Doyle was a detective whose pursuit of justice came at a steep personal cost.

In 1974’s “The Conversation,” he delivered a gripping performance as a surveillance expert whose obsession leads to paranoia. Hackman’s second Oscar came in 1992 for his role as Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven.” Daggett was a ruthless sheriff enforcing the law with brutal authority.

Aside from these films, Hackman took on a wide range of roles, portraying villains, heroes, and antiheroes across dramas, comedies, and action films from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s.

In an interview with Empire, he shared his reasons for retiring at 74. “The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a stress test that I took in New York. The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress,” he divulged.

Unlike many in Hollywood, he largely stayed out of the social spotlight after retiring, making only occasional appearances at award shows. His retirement remained permanent.

As for his personal life, Hackman met Arakawa in the mid-1980s while she was working part-time at a gym in California. The 95-year-old author and his 63-year-old wife soon moved in together and later settled in Santa Fe.

They purchased a large Southwestern-style ranch in a gated community with scenic views of the Rocky Mountains. Their home is located off Hyde Park Road just north of Ten Thousand Waves. Hackman was a familiar presence in town and served on the board of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum during the 1990s.

In his later years, Hackman focused on writing novels. While he had three children from a previous marriage, he and Betsy Arakawa did not have children together. In 1999, they adopted three German shepherds. The couple enjoyed watching films together, particularly smaller, independent productions.

Celebrities and fans have taken to social media to honor the late Hollywood icon. Oscar-winning director Francis Ford Coppola mourned the passing of the remarkable artist, noting that his death was both a moment of sorrow and a time to celebrate a legendary career.

“Gene Hackman a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution,” he added.

Meanwhile, filmmaker Edgar Wright reacted to the news of Hackman’s death, writing, “The greatest.” George Takei has also spoken out, calling Hackman, “one of the true giants of the screen.”

He added, “Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it. He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe. That’s how powerful an actor he was.”

Takei reflected on Hackman’s legacy and said that as much as his presence will be deeply missed, his impact on cinema will endure for generations to come.