Gene Hackman, the Oscar-winning actor, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased
in their Santa Fe home on February 26, 2025. Hackman was 95, and Arakawa was 65.
Their German Shepherd was also found dead, while two other dogs survived. Authorities
discovered them during a welfare check after a maintenance worker raised concerns.
Hackman was found in the foyer, and Arakawa in a bathroom. His pacemaker data suggests
they had been deceased since February 17. No signs of foul play or carbon monoxide poisoning
were found. Prescription medications were near Arakawa, but their role remains unclear pending
toxicology results. Hackman, known for *The French Connection*, *Superman*, and *Unforgiven*,
retired in 2004 due to health concerns. Tributes from industry peers highlight his impact,
with Clint Eastwood calling him “intense and instinctive. Never a false note
