Gene Hackman, 95, his wife, 64, found dead and ‘partially mummified’ at Santa Fe home after not being seen for weeks

The Hollywood legend had a career that spanned six decades

Hollywood actor Gene Hackman was been found dead alongside his wife and their dog at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, after not being seen for two weeks.

Oscar-winner Gene was 95 years old. His wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, was 64. The couple were found dead inside their home partially mummified, new police documents reveal. One of their dogs was also found dead inside the house, with their two other pets reportedly safe.

A concerned neighbour called police prior to the pair being found. His daughter Elizabeth previously said the family suspects toxic fumes were be to blame for their tragic deaths, but this has now been ruled out.

Actor Gene Hackman has died at the age of 95 (Credit: Cover Images)

Gene Hackman and wife found dead and ‘partially mummified’

Police issued a statement following the deaths. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed just after midnight that the couple had died.

An iconic actor who defined a generation.

He said there was no immediate indication of foul play. Reports say two other dogs of the couple survived. He did not provide a cause of death or say when the couple might have died.

They had been married since 1991 and, in recent years, led a reclusive life.

In a statement, the sheriff said there was “no immediate indication of foul play”.

An arrest warrant has now revealed Betsy was found decomposed with bloating on her face, and mummification in her hands and feet, with pills strewn in their bathroom. Police have said the actor was found to have same decomposition signs as his wife.

She was found in the bathroom inside the mansion, but there has been no confirmation on whether the prescription pills belonged to Betsy or Gene. Hackman was sadly found in a mud room connected to the kitchen, the document reveals.

A space heater was also found next to Arakawa’s head, which officers believe could have fallen.

Couple ‘not seen’ for weeks

Gene retired from acting in 2004 (YouTube/MGM)
Roland Lowe Begay and Jesse Kesler discovered the couple at their Sante Fe mansion on Wednesday afternoon. The maintenance workers told officers they hadn’t seem the Hollywood duo for two weeks.

Investigators say it appears they have been dead for some time.

They also believe the actor may have died from a sudden fall. It comes after his daughter Elizabeth Jean Hackman, said the family suspected toxic fumes from carbon monoxide poisoning may be to blame for their death.

Sheriff Mendoza has told the news media deputies haven’t ruled out anything amid the ongoing investigation. However, reports now say there were no signs of a gas leak.

Gene’s home was built in 2000 and has been described as being modern. There are no current known issues over gas leaks of services to the address.

Police have confirmed the gas company and the fire department also responded to the call out after the couple’s bodies were found. They ensured no toxic fumes would endanger deputies as they conducted their search.

The Hollywood legend had a career that spanned more than six decades. He won a number of gongs including an Oscar for Best Actor in 1972 for his role in The French Connection. He also won an Academy Award for his role in Unforgiven.

Gene Hackman admitted he wasn’t there for his children when his career got in the way (Oscars/YouTube)

Neighbour contacted police

A concerned neighbour contacted the police and asked cops to conduct a welfare check, the sheriff’s office reportedly told NBC affiliate KOB of Albuquerque.

Officers are also applying for a search warrant, to look inside the home of the star following their deaths.

Sheriff Mendoza said, giving an update on the case: “All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant.”

The front door of the property was open but no signs of forced entry was reported.

One of the couple’s three dogs, a German Shepherd, was sadly found dead in a closet off the bathroom, and the other two survived. One pet was found alive near Betsy and the second was roaming the grounds.

It comes after Gene Hackman’s final picture taken before his death shows him looking frail and unrecognisable. He was photographed with his wife Betsy, using a cane and holding onto her hand for support.

Police statement in full

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza shared: “On February 26, 2025 at approximately 1:45 p.m., 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 and a dog were found deceased.

“Foul play is not suspected as a factor in those deaths at this time however exact cause of death has not been determined. This is an active and ongoing investigation by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.”

Speaking to The Sun, he added: “All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant.”

Speaking to GB News, he also said: “I want to assure the community and neighbourhood that there’s no immediate danger to anyone.”

Gene Hackman, his wife and their dog were found inside their New Mexico home (Credit: Dave Lewis/Shutterstock)

Tributes pour in

Shocked fans have started reacting to the news on social media.

One posted: “My thoughts to the family of Gene Hackman and his wife found dead with their dog at home . It’s a terrible tragedy.”

Another added: “Rest in Peace Gene Hackman.” 

“Obviously Gene Hackman was old. I expected this at any time. But not in some weird way like this with his wife and dog,” said another fan.

“RIP Gene Hackman. An iconic actor who defined a generation,” said another.

“OMG. So shocked at the news about Gene Hackman and his wife, both found dead. Heartbreaking,” said another.