Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead at their Santa Fe home on February 26, 2025, with suspicions of carbon monoxide poisoning emerging as a possible cause
A gas company is collaborating with investigators in the ongoing probe into the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, following reports that carbon monoxide poisoning may have been involved.
The Oscar-winning actor, aged 95, and his wife, 63, were found deceased at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday afternoon. Investigators believe they had been dead for some time, alongside their dog.
Hackman’s body was discovered in a mudroom, while Arakawa was found near a space heater in the bathroom, as detailed in a search warrant issued by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.
Police have ruled out foul play at this stage, with spokeswoman Denise Avila confirming there were no signs of gunshots or other injuries to the couple. New Mexico Gas Company is assisting in the investigation, according to a statement from company spokesperson Tim Korte.
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The gas lines around the property were inspected following the discovery of the bodies, though no immediate issues were detected. A detective noted that signs of poisoning from gas leaks or carbon monoxide may not always be visible in those affected.
The news of Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths has prompted tributes from celebrities and public figures worldwide. The Prince of Wales expressed his sadness, calling Hackman “a true genius of film,” while American filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola described him as “inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity.”
Hackman, whose career spanned over six decades, was a two-time Oscar winner and the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including two BAFTAs and four Golden Globes. He is widely remembered for his iconic roles in films like The French Connection, Unforgiven, and Superman, in which he played the villainous Lex Luthor.
Many of Hackman’s colleagues have shared their fond memories of the actor. Valerie Perrine, who starred alongside him in Superman, called him “a genius” and expressed how much he would be missed. Hackman, who had a prolific career in film, television, and theatre, retired from acting in 2004. His most recent work was in the film Welcome to Mooseport.
A police statement confirmed that on February 26, 2025, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call at the couple’s home on Old Sunset Trail. While the cause of death is still undetermined, the investigation remains active, and foul play is not suspected at this time. Hackman and Arakawa, a classical pianist, were married in 1991.
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