Exclusive:
Oscar winner Gene Hackman, musician Betsy Arakawa and one of their dogs were found dead at their home in a secluded community in Sante Fe, New Mexico, earlier this week
Daily Mirror’s Tom Bryant discusses the death of Gene Hackman and his wife
The news of the late actor Gene Hackman’s death has attracted attention to a secluded community this week.
It was announced yesterday that that Gene, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, had been found dead at their home, along with one of their dogs, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday. Their other two dogs were found alive.
The cause of death has yet to be announced, though it’s been suggested that “foul play is not suspected as a factor”. Police have said that it remains an “open investigation” and are set to hold a press conference on the case later today.
Alongside tributes, the news of the deaths has prompted international attention. Journalists and camera crews have been spotted at the entrance to the estate where the couple lived with their three dogs in the Santa Fe Summit area as coverage in the US and further afield continues. Photos from the area show numerous vehicles parked along the road and production equipment set up for broadcasts.
Read updates on the tragic death of Gene Hackman and wife Besty Arakwa in the Mirror’s live blog HERE.
The Mirror’s Tom Bryant, who’s been reporting from the area, said of the place where Gene called home: “Eerily quiet with very little through traffic, the sprawling property nestled in 12 acres offers total isolation. For some, this degree of being away from it all could prove unsettling. But Gene appeared to relish in the anonymity that the unique location afforded. A security hut is tucked away off the main road to vet everyone that arrives. They are met with grey gates that mark the start of a winding, tree-lined path up to his home.” Tom added that the area was a “hive of activity” at the entrance of the compound yesterday evening.
Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office have been sharing updates on the case following the news of the deaths. A statement from the Sheriff’s Office, as reported yesterday, read: “In the early hours of Thursday, February 27 2025, Hackman and Arakawa were transported to the Office of the Medical Investigator. An autopsy was performed. Initial findings noted no external trauma to either individual. Carbon monoxide and toxicology tests were requested for both individuals. The manner and cause of death has not been determined. The official results of the autopsy and toxicology reports are pending. This remains an open investigation.”
In a statement reported hours earlier, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s office said: “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.”
Gene’s daughters Elizabeth Hackman and Leslie Hackman, as well as his granddaughter Annie Hackman, have paid tribute in a statement shared with the PA news agency and other outlets. It reads: “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 and are devastated by the loss.”
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