Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa | Source: Getty Images
In the foothills of Santa Fe, Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa spent their later years away from Hollywood, embracing a quieter life. The couple had lived in the area for decades, often seen at their favorite local spots, but remained private about their personal lives.
Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman attend the 65th annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, on March 29, 1993 | Source: Getty Images
Then, without warning, their familiar presence disappeared. On February 26, 2025, maintenance workers made a shocking discovery. What they found inside led authorities to launch an investigation, ruling out one possibility but leaving many unanswered questions.
Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman during the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on January 19, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
A Private Life in Santa Fe
For decades, Gene and Betsy lived far from Hollywood, choosing the quiet of Santa Fe over the spotlight. They settled in the Santa Fe Summit community, where their home sat high in the foothills with sweeping views that stretched to the Colorado mountains.
A journalist sets up a camera at the entrance to the Santa Fe Summit neighborhood where late actor Gene Hackman lived, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 28, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Instead of building from the ground up, they remodeled an existing property, creating a space that suited their desire for privacy. Though reserved, the couple became well known in town. Gene, a two-time Academy Award winner, had retired from acting in the early 2000s.
Gene Hackman at the 1993 Academy Awards | Source: Getty Images
He focused on writing, painting, and flying — an interest he and Betsy shared. Both were licensed pilots, and even as they aged, they continued flying between Santa Fe and California. While they largely kept to themselves, they maintained strong ties with local businesses and were familiar faces in the community.
Gene Hackman in 1970 | Source: Getty Images
Gene’s Daily Routine and Community Ties
Despite their private nature, Gene and Betsy had their favorite spots. Those who interacted with them recall a couple who valued their independence and community ties. One of their most frequented places was Jinja, the Asian restaurant they co-owned.
Staff remembered Gene as friendly and down-to-earth, often stopping in with Betsy. Even after stepping away from Hollywood, he remained actively involved in the restaurant. The menu still features Betsy’s personal recipe for green and red curry, and Gene’s artwork, including a 20-foot mural, is displayed on the walls.
Gene Hackman presents his book "Wake of the Perdido" at Barnes & Noble in New York, on November 4, 1999 | Source: Getty Images
Outside of the restaurant, Gene made an impression with his generosity. Employees at The Broken Spoke, a local bike shop, recalled that instead of simply dropping off old bicycles for donation, he personally took them in for repairs, paying for new tires and tune-ups before giving them to Goodwill.
Contrary to what some might expect, he never sent assistants — he preferred to handle things himself. Betsy, too, had her routines. She was a regular at a local video rental store, where employees remembered her stopping by almost every week to pick out movies for them to watch at home.
Their selections reflected their love of film, even though Gene had long stepped away from the industry. Staff at Ten Thousand Waves, a well-known spa in Santa Fe, recalled that the couple used to visit frequently, though they had not been seen in recent years.
Neighbors and business owners alike describe the couple as kind but reserved. Though they kept their personal lives private, they made a lasting impression on those who knew them.
A Tough and Independent Man Until the End
Even in his later years, Gene remained as tough and self-reliant as ever. A former Marine with a boxer’s build, he was known for his resilience and unwillingness to back down. In 2001, at age 70, he was involved in a minor fender bender in Los Angeles.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa are seen on November 16, 2001 | Source: Getty Images
When the other driver became aggressive and threw a punch, Gene knocked him to the ground. His wife, Betsy, wasted no time arranging for a private jet to fly him home to Santa Fe. A longtime pilot and family friend, who was present that day, still vividly recalls the events.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa at Elaine's promoting his book "Wake of the Perido Star" on November 3, 1999 | Source: Getty Images
He narrated how just hours later, Gene stepped off the plane and was immediately embraced by Betsy and their golden retrievers, calling it “one of the best scenes in Hollywood history.” That wasn’t the last time Gene’s toughness made headlines.
In 2012, at age 82, he and Betsy were walking in downtown Santa Fe when a homeless man approached and began shouting profanities at her. Gene responded by slapping the man, identified as 63-year-old Bruce Becker, across the face.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa at the DW Griffith Awards on February 24, 1992 | Source: Getty Images
Police were called, but after reviewing the incident, they ruled that Gene had acted in self-defense and no charges were filed. Even as he aged, Gene refused to slow down. At nearly 88, he visited a Santa Fe bike shop and purchased an electric bicycle, determined to stay active.
Those who knew him described him as someone who never let his age define him — whether it was defending his wife, fixing up bikes for donation, or staying physically engaged in his later years.
The Discovery and Investigation
On February 26, 2025, maintenance workers arrived at Gene and Betsy’s Santa Fe home after weeks of no contact. When they reached the property, they found the front door open. Unable to reach the couple, they peered inside and saw something that made them immediately call 911.
The 911 call, later released to the public, captured the urgency of the moment. Speaking from outside the house, the caller frantically told the dispatcher, “I think we just found two or one deceased person inside a house. Please send somebody really quick.”
He explained that he was unable to enter but could see inside through a window. When deputies arrived, they found Gene, 95, lying on the floor of a mudroom near the kitchen, fully clothed, with his sunglasses nearby. Betsy, 65, was upstairs in a bathroom near the front door, positioned on her right side.
Gene Hackman with Betsy Arakawa at the United Celebral Palsy of New York City's 15th annual Champagne Stakes at Etoile restaurant in 2000 | Source: Getty Images
On the counter next to her, an open prescription pill bottle and scattered pills were found. A black space heater was also near her head, raising questions about whether it had fallen during a possible collapse.
One of their three German Shepherds was discovered dead in a nearby bathroom closet, while the other two dogs were alive — one inside the house and one outside. Despite the open front door, deputies found no signs of forced entry or a struggle.
Initially, investigators suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, but the fire department and the New Mexico Gas Company ruled it out after testing. Authorities later revealed that Gene’s pacemaker recorded its last activity on February 17, 2025, indicating that may have been the day he passed away.
Gene Hackman signs a chair for a fan while also signing posters from his movie "The French Connection" at a Borders book store in Chicago, on April 28, 2000 | Source: Getty Images
However, Betsy’s body showed signs of advanced decomposition, including facial bloating and mummification of her hands and feet, suggesting she had been dead for an extended period. Authorities found no immediate cause of death and no external injuries were found on either body.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that Gene and Betsy had been dead “for quite a while” before being discovered.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza speaks during a press conference at the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office on February 28, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Investigation
Despite an initial investigation, the exact cause of death for Gene and Betsy remains unknown. Authorities have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, and there were no visible injuries or signs of foul play. However, several details from the scene have raised questions.
Gene’s pacemaker recorded its last activity on February 17, 2025, suggesting he may have died on that day. Yet, Betsy’s body showed more advanced decomposition, leading investigators to consider whether she may have passed away earlier.
Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman at the 66th Annual Academy Awards on March 21, 1994, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
The presence of an open prescription pill bottle and scattered pills near her in the bathroom has also drawn attention. However, officials have not confirmed whether medication played a role in either death. While nothing appeared to be missing or disturbed, authorities considered the scene unusual enough to obtain a search warrant.
The warrant detailed key findings, including the location of the bodies, the presence of a space heater near Betsy, and the discovery of one of their German Shepherds dead. The two surviving dogs were found in good health, adding another layer of mystery.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend a premiere of "The Chamber" at the Academy Theater, Beverly Hills, California, on October 2, 1996.| Source: Getty Images
As of now, investigators are awaiting full toxicology and autopsy reports to determine the exact circumstances surrounding their deaths. With no clear answers, the case remains open, leaving both authorities and the Santa Fe community searching for an explanation.
Meanwhile, the case has captured the public’s interest. As authorities work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Gene and Betsy’s deaths, speculation has taken hold online. Some social media users have shifted on his daughters’ public appearance following the tragedy.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend the Mission Hills Celebrity Sports Invitational in Rancho Mirage, California, on November 30, 1991 | Source: Getty Images
Gene’s Daughters Make First Public Appearance After His Death as Friends Pay Their Tribute
Although Gene and Betsy didn’t have children together, the former actor had three kids from his first marriage: Christopher Allen, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne Hackman.
A day after news of their father’s death broke, Elizabeth and Leslie 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.
A screenshot of a social media user's comment about Gene Hackman's daughters' recent public outing from a post dated February 28, 2025. | Source: Instagram/daily mail
The outing came one day after their father and his wife 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.
A screenshot of a social media user's comment about Gene Hackman's daughters' recent public outing from a post dated February 28, 2025. | Source: Facebook/daily mail
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.
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 Gene’s death, writing, “The greatest.” George Takei has also spoken out, calling him, “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.”
Shortly after the actor’s death on February 26, his nephew, Tim Hackman, revealed that the family had originally planned for Betsy to handle his funeral arrangements, given their 31-year age gap.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa at the Toyota Pro-Celebrity Race in Long Beach, California, on April 4, 1987. | Source: Getty Images
As reported by The Daily Mail, Tim, 51, explained, “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.”
Gene Hackman posing for a portrait in Los Angeles, California , in 1996. | Source: Getty Images
With Gene and Betsy passing unexpectedly, those plans were upended. “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,” Tim said.
He also revealed that the family first learned of the couple’s deaths through Gene’s daughter, Leslie, who had been in the closest contact with them. The news reached them on Wednesday night, just before it became public.
Leslie and Gene Hackman at the "Class Action" premiere in Century City, California, on March 13, 1991. | Source: Getty Images
The news was shocking, as the family was unaware of any major health concerns. “I mean, he was old. I’m sure he had some [health] concerns, but nothing that was shared,” Tim said.
Tim last saw his uncle 11 years ago at his father Richard’s funeral. Richard was Gene’s brother, who had worked as his stuntman. Despite the time apart, Tim emphasized that Gene was not estranged from the family.
Instead, Gene preferred a quiet life and rarely traveled. “He only came to California during the warm weathers, and then he just stayed in New Mexico,” Tim added.
Most of Tim’s communication with Gene was through Betsy, as Gene had reached an age where he was not very communicative with the family.
Gene Hackman photographed driving a Toyota Celica in Long Beach, California, on March 14, 1981. | Source: Getty Images
“I was just basically giving her updates on my kids and how they were doing and how I was doing because our major connection was the military background, but that was it really,” Tim said.
Tim described Betsy as Gene’s primary caregiver, crediting her with helping him live as long as he did. “She’d just always say, ‘Oh, [Gene’s] doing good.’ I mean, he was moving around a lot for 95,” he recalled.
Gene Hackman at ESPN The Magazine's NEXT Issue Party during Super Bowl XXXIX on February 4, 2005. | Source: Getty Images
The medical examiner’s office has stated that final toxicology and autopsy results may take four to six weeks. “We want to make sure that we get the investigation completed properly. And we want to release the proper information,” Mendoza said.
With no clear answers, the case remains open, leaving both authorities and the Santa Fe community searching for an explanation.
