Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63, were found dead in their Santa Fe home on Wednesday, February 26. Authorities say there are no immediate signs of foul play, but an investigation is underway.
Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the couple’s gated community residence on Old Sunset Trail to check on them and discovered their bodies, along with their dog. It remains unclear whether police responded to a welfare check or another alert regarding their deaths.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed their passing just after midnight Thursday but did not disclose a cause of death or estimate when they died. He reassured the community that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner known for The French Connection and Unforgiven, had lived a quiet life in Santa Fe since the 1980s. His wife, Betsy, a classical pianist, had been by his side since their marriage in 1991.
Authorities are awaiting approval for a search warrant as they continue their investigation.
