An investigation is underway into the deaths of the Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, the pianist Betsy Arakawa, after their bodies were found at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Hollywood megastar Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been found dead at their home in New Mexico.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the tragic news on Thursday that Gene and his wife Betsy had been found deceased in the property alongside one of their dogs, a German Shephard. New details have now emerged about Gene and Betsy’s deaths – but police are continuing their investigations. A new report stated that both bodies were found ‘mummified’ and in a state of decomposition. It’s since emerged that Hackman’s pacemaker last picked up a recording on February 17, hinting that he lay dead in his home for 11 days.
A male maintenance worker found the bodies of Gene and his wife when he arrived at the property to carry out some routine maintenance. He made an urgent 911 call but did not go into the house, as when asked if they were alive or breathing, he told the operator: “I have no idea, I have no idea, I’m not inside the house, it’s closed. I see she’s laying down on the floor.”
Gene – who died at the age of 95 – had a career that spanned over six decades, with the star receiving two Academy Awards, two BAFTA Awards, four Golden Globes, a SAG Award as well as the Silver Bear. He known for his roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, I Never Sang for My Father and Bonnie and Clyde amongst others. In his later life, he retired from acting and lived out his days with his wife Betsy at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The pair were rarely spotted out of their home but in one of his final pictured outings, the actor was seen outside a 7-Eleven store looking frail, carrying a coffee and an apple pie.
Hackman is survived by his three children – Christopher Allen, Leslie Anne and Elizabeth Jean.
What were the pills found by Betsy?
The Mirror attended the highly-anticipated press conference at Santa Fe Sheffif’s Office where cops declared the pills “important evidence”.
County Sheriff Adan Mendoza was asked directly if the pills scattered by Betsy’s body could be responsible for her death, but they are awaiting toxicology results which could take some time. He refused to reveal what the pills were, who they belonged to and if they were on prescription or not. However he deemed them to be “important evidence”, adding: “I think they are important for the pathologist to consider to try and make a determination what the cause ands manner of death are.”
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s death is being investigated
Gene’s declining health
Actor Gene’s health had been “really slipping” in the months leading up to his tragic passing, family friends have revealed.
Close friends Daniel and Barbara Lenihan, along with their son Aaron, shared that the star of ‘The French Connection’ had seen a downturn in his health “in recent times”. Chatting with People, Daniel disclosed that Hackman had become “essentially kind of home-bound”, while Barbara noted that the Academy Award winner had ceased his routine of “quit riding his bike through the neighbourhood” about a year prior.
Aaron spoke of how Betsy had been striving to keep her husband “active and engaged”, saying: “Betsy tried to keep him kind of active and engaged. She was still trying to keep him as active and engaged and as healthy as possible.”
Read more here.
Mia O’Hare
I was at the press conference… these things still don’t add up
Mirror journalist Tom Bryant headed to the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office to try gain clarity surrounding Gene and Betsy’s deaths, yet found there are many questions still to be answered.
Here are the five things that still doesn’t add up…
The dead dog in the closet
Betsy’s Alsatian was found mummified in the closet in the bathroom near Betsy’s body – and there is still no indication of the circumstances around its death. Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya didn’t answer any questions as to how the dog died.
Why were the other two dogs healthy when their two owners were dead
Cops reported that both dogs were in good condition…despite their owner Hackman having been dead for at least nine days, according to the last reading on his pacemaker. Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya said the door to the back of the house was open allowing them to go in and out.
Hackman was dead for nine days…but why were there signs of mummification?
Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya said that mummification only began after more than two weeks. “It would be over two weeks, “ Moya confirmed when asked directly by a reporter.
What were the pills found by Betsy’s body…and why were they “important evidence”
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza was asked directly if the pills scattered by her body could be responsible for her death, but they are awaiting toxicology results which could take some time. He refused to reveal what the pills were, who they belonged to but added: “I think they are important for the pathologist to consider to try and make a determination what the cause ands manner of death are.”
Why was there no CCTV given the couple’s high profile
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said there was no “surveillance as we know it right now in the interior or exterior of the residence.”
Read Tom’s full report from Santa Fe here.
Mia O’Hare
Friends struggle to process shock deaths
Gene’s close friend Doug Lanham said he’s ‘having a hard time understanding’ the mystery behind the shock deaths of his pals.
Doug, 76, shakily revealed he ‘just can’t process what took place’. He explained: “We’d all kind of expected it, he’s 95, and in some of the pictures towards the end there he was looking frail. But to read and hear what took place, I still have a hard time understanding.”
Speaking to MailOnline, he said the couple were ‘so dignified and so in love with each other’. When he heard the news of their deaths, he ‘lost it’. “I’m kind of a mess sometimes,” he added.
Mia O’Hare
Final meeting with friends revealed
Friends of Gene and Betsy have spoken out about the final meeting with the pair before their deaths.
Pal Daniel Lenihan told CNN’s Erin Burnett Friday night: “Last time we saw them, they were alive and well.” His wife Barbara added she had last seen Betsy a few weeks ago at a home decor shop the two had opened together. Barbara said: “They were so delightful to be around”.
She added that the couple were very fond of one another. “Probably never seen a couple that got along and enjoyed each other so much,” she said. Meanwhile, Barbara, 75, revealed the last she heard of Betsy was around “two to three weeks ago”, when her son Brendan spoke with the pianist about the upcoming birth of his second child. “[Brendan] was telling Betsy it was a boy, and she was very excited,” Barbara, 75, told PEOPLE. “It wasn’t a real long message, but then Brendan was hoping to hear back again soon.”
Read the full story here.
Amy Denman
Evidence found next to Betsy’s body ‘significant’
Evidence found near Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy Arakawa’s body is “significant” and “of concern”, police have said.
Oscar-winning actor Gene, 95, and his wife Betsy, 65, were found dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico on Wednesday, February 26. The couple were found deceased in separate rooms by police after the emergency services were called to the property.
Betsy’s body was discovered next to a heater, which could have fallen on her. However, police are now said to be interested in the bottle of prescription pills located near the classical pianist’s body.
Read the full story, here.
Amy Denman
Gene Hackman investigators share update on star’s beloved surviving dogs found at scene
The two surviving dogs of Gene Hackman have been rescued following the tragic discovery of the 95 year old Oscar winner and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, in their Santa Fe home.
The couple was found earlier this week alongside one deceased dog, but the remaining two pets are now in safe hands.
Read the full story, here.
Gene Hackman’s children to be quizzed by cops
Cops are set to quiz Gene Hackman’s three children as they try to discover the actor and his wife’s last movements.
The star is survived by the three children he had with his ex-wife, Faye Maltese: Christopher, 65, Elizabeth, 63, and Leslie, 58. Elizabeth and Leslie were photographed looking sombre a day after the couple’s bodies were discovered – as Leslie revealed she hadn’t spoken to her dad in months.
Read the full story here.
Amy Denman
What is mummification?
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s deaths are the subject of an active investigation after their bodies were discovered at their home.
The couple may have been dead for some time before being discovered, forensice detail suggests. A search warrant reads: “[Arakawa’s] body was in a state of decomposition with bloating in her face and mummification in her hands and feet.”
But, what is mummification? Read more, here.
Amy Denman
Police statement in full
On Friday afternoon, Santa Fe Police Department held a press conference into Gene and Betsy’s death.
Giving an update into the investigation, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said: “Good afternoon everybody, I am Sheriff Adan Mendoza, Sheriff for Santa Fe County New Mexico. On Wendesday, February 26 2025 at approxiamtely 1.45pm Santa Fe County Sheriffs deputies were dispatched to 1425 Old Sunset Trail where Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arkawa, 65, and their dog were found deceased….”
Police reveal results of carbon monoxide test
At a press conference held at 3pm local time, Sheriff Adan Mendoza revealed Gene and his wife Betsy were tested for carbon monoxide poisoning, the results showed no sign of carbon monoxide. He added: “An autopsy was performed. Initial findings noted no external trauma to either individual. The manner and cause of death has not been determined. The official results of the autopsy and toxicology reports are pending.”
It comes after Hackman’s family said they suspected carbon moxodie poisoning as the cause of death. Elizabeth Jean Hackman, their daughter, shared with TMZ on Thursday that while the exact cause is uncertain, they believe toxic fumes may have played a role.
Santa Fe Police gave a press conference on Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s deaths (
Image:
Getty Images)
Hackman lay dead for nine days before he was found
Cops confirmed that an investigation into Gene’s pacemaker revealed it was last recorded on February 17.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza said: “An initial interrogation was conducted of Mr. Hackman’s pacemaker. This revealed that his last event was recorded on February 17, 2025, I was advised that a more thorough investigation will be completed that’ll conclude my statement.”
Read the full story here.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza disclosed information about Gene’s pacemaker recordings (
Image:
Jonathan Buckmaster)
Seamus Duff
Police contacting ‘workers, maintenance workers, family members, security’ in search for clues
Authorities have announced a list of people they intend to question as they search for clues surrounding the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. On Friday, Sheriff Adan Mendoza gave an update on the investigation at a press briefing.
He said: “We’re going to go through the planner. We’re contacting workers, maintenance workers, family members, security. We’re going to be talking to security. There’s in and out that’s, I believe, is documented. So we’re working with them to try to determine, you know, when the last contact was, and that’ll help us put together that timeline.”
Seamus Duff
Cause of death update as authorities make progress
At a press conference on Friday, Sheriff Adan Mendoza spoke about the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Gene and his wife. It was revealed that the couple’s corpses have tested negative for carbon monoxide – which had been theorised as a possible cause of death.
Mendoza added: “An initial interrogation was conducted of Mr. Hackman pacemaker. This revealed that his last event was recorded on February 17, 2025, I was advised that a more thorough investigation will be completed that’ll conclude my statement.”
Police are currently unsure who died first. There is also no CCTV to assist with their investigation.
“There is no surveillance as we know it right now, in in in the interior of the residence or the exterior of the residents,” Mendoza added.
Seamus Duff
Locals remember ‘vital role’ Gene had in Santa Fe community
Locals in Santa Fe, New Meixoc, where Gene Hackman and his wife were discovered dead at home have recalled his significance to the community. The Hollywood star was on the board of trustees of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum – with the Santa Fe New Mexican reporting a spokesperson for the museum saying the star played “a vital role in shaping the Museum’s early years,” when it operated from 1997 to 2004. The statement declared: “Beyond his role as a Trustee, Gene contributed to the Museum in meaningful ways, notably as the narrator of the Perry Miller Adato film, Georgia O’Keeffe: A Life in Art. The Museum is grateful for his commitment to sharing Georgia O’Keeffe’s legacy and for their deep support of the arts and cultural initiatives.”
Local restaurateur Brian Knox wrote in an online message: “Their kindness and support of this community contributed to the vibrancy of Santa Fe arts and food culture. They helped create memories and experiences that have been enjoyed by millions of residents and visitors … while asking for little in return. Gene and Betsy will be missed and remembered forever.”
Daniel Bird
Nine questions leaving investigators baffled
It’s a riddle that has baffled police and left his family desperately searching for answers.
The death of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy in mysterious circumstances at their remote home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has even the most experienced officers scratching their heads. The chaotic scenes which greeted cops as they attended his isolated home were laid bare in a four-page search warrant.
Hackman was found slumped on the floor in the kitchen, while his wife was in the bathroom, a dead dog in the closet. In the document, it quickly becomes apparent that there could be all manner of ways the couple may have met their sad demise.
Click here to see what has left investigators confused.
Secret details of Gene’s hidden home unveiled
Hollywood star Gene Hackman and his classical pianist wife Betsy Arakawa lived in a secluded home in Santa Fe, New Mexico – where their bodies were discovered this week. Gene previously spoke proudly about his hidden property, placed on a hilltop among 12 acres of land – saying he found his private escape peaceful and magical.
He told Architectural Digest back in 1990 that he worked to remodelled the 1950s portion of the house into a new home for him and his wife, describing it as a “part pueblo, part colonial New Mexico, part Spanish Baroque” property. He added: “It had a kind of magic in it. It’s totally different from my other houses. The Montecito house was very formal.”
Seamus Duff
Police share what drugs were found next to mummified bodies
As authorities try to piece together the final moments of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, reports have revealed what drugs were discovered at the scene. Investigators conducted a search of the $3.8 million home on Thursday, discovering thyroid medication, Diltiazem, and Tylenol. Arakawa was found dead on the bathroom floor, with an open bottle of prescription pills partially spilled on a nearby countertop.
A 2025 monthly calendar planner was also found, suggesting the couple had plans for the future. Police also recovered two green phones and the couple’s health records, though no further details have been disclosed about their contents. Autopsies were completed early Thursday morning, but authorities are still awaiting the full results, including the toxicology report – which is expected to take three weeks to herald results.
Seamus Duff
‘Hive of activity’ outside Gene and Betsy’s home
Reporters and camera crews have descended upon secluded community in Santa Fe, New Mexico – where Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were found dead. 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.
Reporters have gathered outside the home of Gene and Betsy (
Image:
Jonathan Buckmaster)
Authorities refuse to rule out Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Investigators searching for answers about the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa have not ruled out the possibility that they died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Family of the Hollywood star have already suggested that this could be a cause of the deaths that have rocked Hollywood.
TMZ reported on Friday that Santa Fe fire officials had announced that, while their meters didn’t detect anything suspicious relating to carbon monoxide, they couldn’t exclude the possibility. The outlet reports: “They pointed out Gene and Betsy’s New Mexico home had natural gas … and a leak could have dissipated by the time their bodies were discovered.”
Seamus Duff
Gene previously discussed difficulties his children endured due to his fame
Hollywood legend Gene Hackman had three children; son Christopher Allen, and daughters Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne Hackman – all of whom he shared with first wife Faye Maltese, who he was married to from 1956 until 1986. The actor had previously explained he felt he missed out on aspects of his children’s lives due to his bust work as an actor.
Speaking about their relationship in 2000, Gene admitted: “It’s tough being the son or daughter of a celebrity. I couldn’t always be home with them when they were growing up and then, living in California, they’ve had my success always hanging over their heads.”
And in a GQ interview in 2012, Gene made a heartfelt confession about missing out on family moments. When asked what advice he would give his son, he said: “I lost touch with my son in terms of advice early on. Maybe it had to do with being gone so much, doing location films when he was at an age where he needed support and guidance. It was very tough for me to be gone for three months and then come home and start bossing him around.”
Jasmine Allday
Update on the two surviving dogs
Whilst one dog sadly died, two survived – and now it has been revealed what has happened to them.
Santa Fe County Animal Control Division is said to be now working with the actor’s family to “ensure the safety of the two dogs”. Dogs were a very important part of Gene and Betsy’s lives and he has spoken about his love for his pets over the years.
Read more about the surviving dogs in a new update here.
KEY EVENT
Police to hold press conference today
It has been confirmed that a press conference will be given today after the death of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arawaka.
The Santa Fe Police Department will hold a press conference at 3pm local time on Friday February 28th, which will be at 10pm UK time, at the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office following a day of investigations.
An update about Gene’s death will be given today. (
Image:
AP)
Jasmine Allday
Gene’s wife ‘kept him alive’ in his final years
Heartbreaking details have emerged about Gene and his wife’s close bond following their deaths.
Describing their marriage as “wonderful”, his daughter Leslie said: “I give credit to his wife, Betsy, for keeping him alive. She (Betsy) took very, very good care of him and was always looking out for his health. I am appreciative to her for that, and I’m very saddened by her passing.”
In the lead up to his sad death, Gene had been keeping fit with yoga and pilates several times a week, and he had been on a strict diet thanks to Betsy, accoridng to his close friend Doug Lanham.
Jasmine Allday
Tributes flood in for Gene
Tributes have continued to flood in for Gene following his death at the age of 95.
In a tribute, Tom Hanks wrote: “There has never been a ‘Gene Hackman Type.’ There has only been Gene Hackman,” whilst Michelle Pfieffer added: “What a tremendous talent and tremendous loss for cinephiles everywhere. A true legend in cinema. Sending love and light to Gene.”
Barbra Streisand, who starred alongside Hackman in the romantic comedy All Night Long, also shared a tribute: “Gene Hackman was an incredible actor. He lived a long life and left an amazing legacy. May he rest in peace.”
Read more about Hollywood mourning the death of Gene here.
BBC suffers technical blunder whilst reporting on Gene’s death
BBC Breakfast presenter Charlie Stayt had to apologise after a technical blunder on the show this morning.
At the end of a pre-recorded news report updating viewers on the death of the Hollywood legend, a photo of the actor remained on the screen even when Charlie Stayt moved onto the next item on the programme.
The next segment was a report on the controversial BBC documentary about Gaza that was narrated by the son of a Hamas leader. “The BBC has apologised for serious flaws in the production of a documentary about the war in Gaza,” he started to say as the image was removed. He then added: “Apologies, let’s just get, err, that bit straightened out.”
Jasmine Allday
Detectives probe Hollywood star’s final movements
On Good Morning Britain today, discussion was rife about Gene and Betsy’s sad death.
In a news segment, reporter Noel Phillips revealed: “Detectives are now trying to build a timeline of the couple’s final movements, when were they last seen in public. CCTV in this area will also be checked as well as their phone records to understand who they may have last spoken to before they died. Now what doesn’t help is the fact that they lived such a private life so as you can imagine, a lot of people here in this community are still grappling with the news.”
As investigations continue, we expect to hear more from the Sheriff department in Santa Fe about the mystery surrounding the couple’s death and the death of their pet dog.
KEY EVENT
911 call in full as distressed caretaker begs for help
Gene and Betsy were discovered by one of their caretakers, who had made their way to the property to carry out routine maintenance. On arrival, the man spotted a woman laying on the floor as he looked through a window into the property.
“Hello, my name is [redacted], I’m the caretaker for Santa Fe Summit up here about [unintelligible]. I think we just found two or one deceased person inside the house,” he said in the call.
Later in the call, the operator then asked if they were “breathing”, and the caller explained: “I have no idea, I’m not inside the house. It’s closed, it’s locked. I can’t go in, but I see them laying… she’s laying down on the floor from the window.”
The full transcript of the 911 call is available to read here.
Jasmine Allday
Gene and Betsy’s final moments
As investigations continue about what happened to Gene and Betsy and their pet dog, mystery shrouds the pair’s final moments and what exactly happened in their home.
In tragic scenes, Betsy was found lying on the bathroom floor with an open orange bottle of prescription pills scattered across a countertop. It remains unclear what the pills were.
Her body was decomposing with bloating to her face and mummification on her hands and feet. A space heater was positioned close to Betsy’s head, and investigators are considering whether it may have fallen.
Read more about the pair’s final moments here
Jasmine Allday
Cops fear Gene had a ‘sudden fall’
New details continue to emerge about the scene when police arrived on the property.
When police arrived on site, the report noted that they had “observed a pair of feet and legs on the ground near the kitchen area”. On inspection, they discovered it was Gene’s body.
Gene and Betsy with their dogs before their death (
Image:
celebritypets.net/)
The report further reads: “The deceased male who was found wearing grey sweat pants, a blue in colour long-sleeve t-shirt, brown slippers, and walking-cane.” It was also revealed that Deputy Thomas noticed a pair of sunglasses located near the decedent’s left of his body.
“Based on Deputy Thomas’ training and experience he suspected the male individual has suddenly fallen. Deputy Thomas advised the male decedent also showed obvious signs of death, similar and consistent with the female decedent,” the report adds.
Jasmine Allday
Item found near Betsy’s body puzzles police
Betsy was found in a bathroom of the property, with her deceased dog in a nearby closet.
Now more details have emerged about the house on the police’s arrival. A black heater was found near Arakawa’s head, with the report stating: “He advised he suspected the heater could have fallen in the event the female abruptly fell to the ground.” The office also “advised he also observed an orange prescription bottle on the counter-top near the deceased female. The prescription bottle appeared opened with pills scattered on the counter-top”.
Read more about the police’s findings with Betsy’s body here
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Jasmine Allday
Gene Hackman’s daughters seen for the first time
Gene Hackman’s daughters have been seen for the first time following his death.
His daughter Leslie said she hadn’t spoken to either Gene or Betsy for a few months but they were close. She said: “We were close. I hadn’t talked to them for a couple months, but everything was normal and everything was good.”
The pair are planning to head to Santa Fe soon when they get more information from the police.
“We need to wait and find out whatever information from the police. We weren’t expecting to have to go out there and go through the house and all that. So we have some work cut out for us. But yeah, we’ll be going out to New Mexico,” she said.
Read more here about Gene’s daughters, as they’re pictured for the first time
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Jasmine Allday
Open door at Gene’s property puzzles cops
It has been revealed that the front door of Gene and Betsy’s home was ajar – but cops maintain there was no sign of forced entry.
A further investigation at the property revealed that the foor was slightly open and one of the dogs were in the garden. There is currently no specific explanation for the door beiong open, but one of the dogs were found in the garden and it could have been that their pet forced their way out.
Officers will continue to investigate the open door as they try to piece together Gene and Betsy’s final hours.
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KEY EVENT
The Mirror heads to the scene
The Mirror’s Tom Bryant has travellled to Santa Fe, New Mexico – where the home of Gene and Betsy sits.
He describes the neighbourhood with the “vast slab of New Mexican sky offers little in the way of stars to guide the way”.
Writing about Gene’s home, and now the place where both Gene, Betsy and their dog lost their lives, he shares: “But it’s here – in splendid seclusion – that Gene Hackman has called home for 20 years after quitting Hollywood. You can see the attraction for a man who was left frazzled by the industry, and wanted to recharge his soul.
“Eerily quiet with very little through traffic, the sprawling property nestled in 12 acres offers total isolation.”
Read more from the scene here: ‘I visited Gene Hackman’s neighbourhood and one thing about it really surprised me’
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Jasmine Allday
Police concerned Gene may have fallen
New details have continued to emerge about the scene in the house when police arrived after a welfare call from a maintenance worker.
When police arrived, they had “observed a pair of feet and legs on the ground near the kitchen area” which they found to be Hackman.
(Image: AP)
“The deceased male who was found wearing gray sweat pants, a blue in colour long-sleeve t-shirt, brown slippers, and walking-cane. Deputy Thomas indicated he observed a pair of sunglasses located near the decedent’s left of his body. Based on Deputy Thomas ‘ training and experience he suspected the male individual has suddenly fallen . Deputy Thomas advised the male decedent also showed obvious signs of death, similar and consistent with the female decedent,” the report had stated.
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Jasmine Allday
911 call in full
A male maintenance worker found the bodies of Gene and his wife and made a frantic call to the police.
The individual’s name was redacted but he said that he found “two, or one deceased” bodies at the Santa Fe address. The man could be heard saying: “Damn, damn, damn,” while sniffing through tears.
“Just send somebody up here quick,” he told the call operator. When asked if the patients were breathing or awake, he responded: “I have no idea, I have no idea, I’m not inside the house, it’s closed. I see she’s laying down on the floor.”
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KEY EVENT
Gene and Betsy’s last confirmed contact revealed
It has not yet been confirmed when Gene and Betsy died, but a maintenance worker’s last contact with the couple was two weeks ago.
According to the search warrant affidavit, a maintenance worker found the front door ajar when they arrived to do routine work on Wednesday and called the police.
Asked if they were breathing, the caretaker said: “I have no idea. I am not inside the house. It’s closed. It’s locked. I can’t go in. But I can see she’s laying down on the floor from the window.”
The worker and their colleague said their last contact with Gene and Betsy had been two weeks ago.
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Jasmine Allday
Tributes continue to flood in as mystery deepens
Mystery continues to surround the death of Gene, his wife Betsy and one of their dogs.
However, tributes have continued to flood in for Gene and Betsy including director Francis Ford Coppola, who wrote: “The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration: Gene Hackman a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity, I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution.”
In his own tribute, actor and director Clint Eastwood said: “There was no finer actor than Gene. Intense and instinctive. Never a false note. He was also a dear friend whom I will miss very much.”
Bill Murray added: “He was a tough nut, but he was really good and he was really difficult. Like, we can say it now, but he was a tough guy because older great actors do not give young directors much of a chance. They’re really rough on ’em.”
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Bradley Jolly
Gene Hackman’s daughter lifts the lid on his ‘wonderful marriage’ with Betsy
Gene Hackman’s daughter Leslie has gushed about his “wonderful marriage” with musician Betsy Arakawa.
The couple, and their dog, were found dead at their home on Wednesday afternoon and police said there were no apparent signs of foul play. The search warrant executed by cops attending the scene has now been released which lays bare a number of mysteries, including if Gene, 95, fell.
He had been married to Betsy, a classical pianist, since 1991. Betsy was Gene’s second wife, after a three-decade marriage to bank clerk Faye Maltese ended in 1986. He had three children with Faye, including Leslie, who paid tribute to her father on Thursday.
Gene Hackman’s daughter lifts the lid on his ‘wonderful marriage’ with Betsy
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KEY EVENT
All the troubling unanswered questions baffling cops in Hackman investigation
The full extent of the police investigation into the mysterious deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife can be revealed for the first time – and the troubling questions facing cops.
The search warrant executed by cops attending the scene has now been released which lays bare a number of mysteries. Firefighters underwent testing to determine if there were signs of a possible carbon monoxide leak (or poisoning), a tragedy which has earned the eerie nickname of the “stealth assassin” over the years.
The probe continues in Santa Fe, New Mexico – as Hollywood mourns a megastar who won two Oscars, two BAFTAs and four Golden Globe Awards in an illustrious career which spanned four decades.
All the troubling unanswered questions baffling cops in Hackman investigation
Tributes have been paid to Gene Hackman, who has died at 95 (Image: WireImage)
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Bradley Jolly
Gene Hackman appeared to have fallen
A dead German shepherd was found in a bathroom closet near Arakawa, police said. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said during a press conference Thursday that the dog was found in a kennel. Two healthy dogs were found on the property — one inside and one outside.
“There was no indication of a struggle,” Mendoza said. “There was no indication of anything that was missing from the home or disturbed, you know, that would be indication that there was a crime that had occurred.”
Results of autopsies conducted on both bodies are not available yet, sheriff’s officials said, noting that carbon monoxide and toxicology test results are pending.
The search warrant affidavit suggests that police appear to have a working theory that “some kind of gas poisoning” happened, but that they don’t know yet and aren’t ruling anything out, Loyola Marymount University law professor Laurie Levenson said.
“They don’t have clear evidence that it’s any type of homicide, but they’re asking for blunt instruments or other weapons that could be used,” said Levenson, who has no connection to the investigation. “It doesn’t also look like some kind of planned double-suicide.”
William & Mary Law School professor Jeffrey Bellin said the request for a search warrant was somewhat unusual because investigators who file one usually believe a specific crime was committed. In this case, no alleged crime was mentioned, Bellin said.
Police tend to overstate what they know, but this is the opposite, said Bellin, who also isn’t tied to the investigation.
“It just struck me as very careful in a way that search warrant affidavits often are not,” he said.
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Bradley Jolly
Inside 911 call as Gene Hackman’s body is found
According to the search warrant affidavit, a maintenance worker reported that the home’s front door was open when he arrived to do routine work Wednesday, and he called police after finding the bodies.
But in a 911 call, the maintenance worker said he was unable to get inside when the operator asked whether the people in the house were breathing.
“I have no idea,” the subdivision’s caretaker said. “I am not inside the house. It’s closed. It’s locked. I can’t go in. But I can see she’s laying down on the floor from the window.”
He and another worker later told authorities that they rarely saw the homeowners and their last contact with them had been about two weeks ago.
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Bradley Jolly
Warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning exposed after Hollywood tragedy
Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were feared to have suffered carbon monoxide poisoning at their home – and it has earned the eerie nickname of the “stealth assassin” over the years.
Unlike natural gas, carbon monoxide (CO) is colourless, odorless, and tasteless, making it impossible to detect without a specialised device. Inhaling it, from various sources including generators, water heaters, and gas stoves, can prove fatal within minutes.
Gene and Betsy, who tied the knot nearly 34 years ago, were discovered dead on Wednesday afternoon local time. The Oscar winner, aged 95, has been remembered by stars such as Piers Morgan, Lorraine Kelly, and George Takei.
Warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning exposed after Hollywood tragedy
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Susan Knox
Gene Hackman’s autopsy findings after being found ‘mummified’
Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa showed no signs of ‘trauma’ during an autopsy.
The couple and their beloved German Shepherd dog were discovered at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, by two maintenance workers. Currently, there is an active investigation surrounding their death but there are no signs of any foul play. Betsy was found lying on their bathroom floor with an open bottle of prescription pills scattered across a countertop. Currently, it remains unclear what the pills were and if they had been prescribed to Betsy or Gene. Meanwhile, Gene was found in a mud room off their kitchen.
Betsy, 63, was found decomposing with bloating to her face and mummification on her hands and feed. Meanwhile, Gene was found in a similar state of decomposition. An autopsy has since been carried out which ruled out any external trauma to both the actor and his late wife.
Read the full story, here.
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Susan Knox
Grim details inside Gene Hackman’s secluded Santa Fe mansion where he was found ‘mummified’
Grim details from inside the home of Academy Award winner Gene Hackman has been revealed after he was found dead alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog at their Santa Fe mansion. The couple, who have been married for 34 years, were found partially-mummified at their home, with pills strewn in their bathroom.
An arrest warrant revealed Betsy, 64, was found decomposed with bloating on her face and mummification in her hands and feet. Mummification occurs when a person’s skin and tissues are preserved after their death.
Sheriffs said Hackman was found to have the same signs of decomposition as his wife, but was found separate to her inside the home. Two maintenance workers called Roland Lowe Begay and Jesse Kesler discovered the bodies of Arakawa and her retired Hollywood star husband at their luxurious million Santa Fe mansion Wednesday at 1:46pm Mountain Time.
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Susan Knox
Gene Hackman’s daughter breaks silence with harrowing admission after his death
Gene Hackman’s daughter Leslie has broken her silence following her father’s mysterious death.
Gene’s daughter, Leslie, 58, has now broken her silence on his sad death. Leslie said that the family are still processing what happened, before making the harrowing admission that “there was no indication that there was any problem” with her father prior to his death.
“Despite his age, he was in very good physical condition,” she told Mail Online before adding that her father did not have any major surgeries these last few months. “He liked to do Pilates and yoga, and he was continuing to do that several times a week. So he was in good health.”
Lesie added that because she lives in California, it had been a ‘few months’ since she had last seen or heard from her father, who had become reclusive in the latter years of his wife. Gene lived a quiet and private life with his wife Betsy, 64. “We were close. I hadn’t talked to them for a couple months, but everything was normal and everything was good,” Leslie shared.
Read the full story, here.
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Susan Knox
Gene Hackman new mystery as ‘no obvious sign of gas leak’ according to search warrant
The deaths of Gene Hackman, his wife, and their dog have raised numerous questions, with authorities labeling the situation as “suspicious.”
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the tragic news of their deaths, revealing that just after midnight the couple and their dog had died.
The police said it is currently an active investigation but they do not believe that foul play was a factor at this time. They added two other surviving dogs were found at the property. While the investigation is still ongoing, some of his family believe carbon monoxide poisoning could be the cause of their deaths.
However, a search warrant obtained by TMZ has revealed that there are “no clear signs of a gas leak” found at the scene. The warrant has also revealed that a Santa Fe detective, who requested the warrant, expressed concerns about the circumstances surrounding the deaths in his affidavit.
Firefighters who arrived on the scene found no evidence of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning. New Mexico Gas Company also tested the gas lines around the home and reported no issues with the pipes.
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Susan Knox
Gene Hackman: Distressing 911 call and chilling one-word response to ‘decomposing’ body
A gut-churning 911 call made after a maintenance worker found Gene Hackman’s body has been shared.
Betsy, 63, was found decomposing with bloating to her face and mummification on her hands and feet. Hackman was found in a similar stage of decomposition and his wife. One of the male maintenance workers who found Gene and his wife Betsy made a frantic call to the emergency services. In the call, he was heard saying that the legendary actor and his wife were not moving. The individual whose name was redacted said that he found “two, or one deceased” bodies at the Santa Fe, New Mexico home.
He instantly went on to share the address of the home and told the 911 call operator that he would meet the emergency staff at the gate to the property. As the call operator issued a message to paramedics, the man making the call said: “Damn, damn, damn,” while sniffing through tears.
The individual who discovered Gene and Betsy was unsure of the gender or ages of the patients. He added that there was no sign of movement at the home. “Just send somebody up here quick,” he added. When asked if the patients were breathing or awake, he responded: “I have no idea, I have no idea, I’m not inside the house, it’s closed. I see she’s laying down on the floor.”
Read the full story, here.
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Susan Knox
Gene Hackman’s beloved dog found dead in a closet in heartbreaking update
Gene Hackman’s dead dog was found meters away from his and his wife’s partially mummified body.
Betsy, 63, was found decomposing with bloating to her face and mummification on her hands and feet. Hackman was found in a similar stage of decomposition and his wife. Mummification takes place when an individuals skin and tissues are persevered following their death. Although it’s synonymous with Ancient Egypt and bandages, it can also take place if a body is left in a cold, drug area, allowing bacteria to grow.
Santa Fe, where they lived, is known for its colder climates during the winter months. Initial reports suggested that the German Shepherd was discovered in a kennel but the heartbreaking reality is very different. Their beloved dog was found just 10 to 15 feet away from Betsy, in a closet just off of their bathroom.
Betsy was found lying on their bathroom floor with an open bottle of prescription pills scattered across a countertop. Currently, it remains unclear what the pills were and if they had been prescribed to Betsy or Gene. Meanwhile, Gene was found in a mud room off their kitchen. Two of their dogs survived the tragedy.
Read the full story, here.
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Susan Knox
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s death investigation being assisted by gas company
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.
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.
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.
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Susan Knox
Who was Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy Arakawa who was famous in her own right
Gene Hackman was found dead with his wife Betsy Arakawa and their pet dog in their New Mexico home, according to Santa Fe police.
While the details of Betsy and Gene’s deaths have not yet been released in the “preliminary death investigation,” the couple seemed incredibly close in in the years leading up to their tragic passing.
Gene retired from acting in 2008, and while he hasn’t been seen in front of the camera for decades he was occasionally spotted out in New Mexico with his wife, going out for meals or attending cultural events.
Betsy was Gene’s second wife, after he married Faye Maltese in 1956. Gene and Faye went on to have a son and two daughters, but ultimately divorced in 1986. Some rumours suggest that Gene and Betsy started dating while he was still in his first marriage with Faye, and while the actor has remained tight-lipped on the subject he did suggest that suggestions he only moved onto Betsy because of her young age were wrong.
“By the way, I did not leave my real-life wife for a younger woman. We just drifted apart. We lost sight of each other. When you work in this business, marriage takes a great deal of work and love,” he once said, according to People.
Read the full story, here.
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Susan Knox
Gene Hackman’s and Betsy Arakawa’s age-gap marriage and truth behind first divorce
Legendary actor Gene Hackman lived a quiet life with his wife Betsy of 24 years.
Hackman had a successful career that spanned more than six decades, where he won a number of gongs including two Academy Awards. He became a household name in 1970s for films like The Conversation, Superman, and Hoosiers. In the early 2000s, following his last acting role in Welcome to Mooseport (2004), he stepped out of he spotlight and opted for a more reclusive life with his wife, who was 32 years his junior.
Besty, 63, was Hackman’s second wife and they reportedly started dating in the mid-80s after meeting in the gym and falling in love. He was married to his first wife, Faye Maltese, between 1956 and 1986. A year before their split, he denied leaving Faye for Betsy, and said: “By the way, I did not leave my real-life wife for a younger woman. We just drifted apart. We lost sight of each other. When you work in this business, marriage takes a great deal of work and love.”
In 1990, the same year he underwent surgery for congestive heart failure, Hackman and Betsy moved into a home together in Santa Fe, New Mexico. A year later, they tied the knot. In 2008, he announced his retirement and said: “I haven’t held a press conference to announce retirement, but yes, I’m not going to act any longer. I really don’t want to do it any longer.”
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Susan Knox
Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa found mummified at mansion in grim new mystery
Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found partially-mummified at the couple’s mansion, with pills strewn in their bathroom, reports have claimed.
An arrest warrant has revealed that Arakawa, 64, was found decomposed with bloating on her face and mummification in her hands and feet. The warrant, obtained by Mail Online, also saw that Sheriffs said Hollywood actor Hackman also had the same signs of decomposition as his wife.
A statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff in New Mexico said there is an “active investigation” was underway: “We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail. This is an active investigation – however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor.”
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Susan Knox
Prince William shares moving tribute to ‘genius’ Gene Hackman after tragic death
Prince William has branded Gene Hackman a “true genius” in a moving tribite.
The Prince of Wales has said he is “so sad” to hear of the death of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy, who were found dead in their Santa Fe home in New Mexico along with their dog on Wednesday afternoon.
In a post signed with a “W”, to his shared X account with the Princess of Wales, he said: “So sad to hear the news of the death of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy. Hackman was a true genius of film who brought each and every character to life with power, authenticity and star quality.”
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Susan Knox
Cops’ chilling two words reveal where bodies were found in huge update
The mystery surrounding the deaths of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa has intensified with fresh details coming to light. The New York Times reveals that the couple’s bodies were discovered in separate rooms, leading a sheriff involved in the investigation to describe their deaths as ‘not typical’.
One of their dogs was found deceased in a kennel, while two others survived, according to the American publication. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated there was no suicide note and no evident signs of trauma on their bodies. “At this stage in the process there isn’t anything obvious like that,” he said. “The autopsy is going to tell us more.”
Before officers entered the property, safety checks were conducted by the fire department and the gas company, the sheriff’s department confirmed. Sheriff Mendoza added: “We’re not going to guess this was an accident or natural causes. It wasn’t typical.” As the mystery deepens, movie fans worldwide are speculating about what could have transpired in the couple’s New Mexico residence. Despite the ongoing intense police investigation, officers have reported no indications of foul play.
Sheriff Mendoza reassured: “I want to assure the community and neighbourhood that there’s no immediate danger to anyone.” The family think Hackman and his wife may have succumbed to toxic fumes. The actor’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, said she remains unsure as to the cause of death.
Yet she thinks the cause might be from such gases as carbon monoxide. Tragedy struck in the Hyde Park area of Santa Fe, New Mexico, as deputies discovered the body of the celebrated star on Wednesday afternoon. The beloved actor had retreated from the glam of Hollywood to this corner of the world since the early 2000s.
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Susan Knox
Gene Hackman’s mysterious spiral into recluse life with wife and last frail outing
Once one of Hollywood’s leading men, Gene Hackman’s final years were a far cry from the red carpet premieres of his youth.
The Oscar winner, who has died at the age of 95, preferred a quiet life with his second wife, the classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, following his retirement from the silver screen in 2004. Tragically, the couple were found dead yesterday (Wednesday, February 26), along with their beloved pet dog, at their home on Sunset Trail, New Mexico.
An active investigation is now underway, but Santa Fe County police has confirmed that they do not believe that foul play was a factor at this time. Gene and Betsy, 63, reportedly fell in love after crossing paths at an LA gym in the ’80s, where Betsy had been working part-time.
They went on to tie the knot in 1991, with Betsy becoming stepmother to Gene’s three children, Christopher Allen, Leslie Anne and Elizabeth Jean, born during his first marriage to Faye Maltese. Although California-born Gene preferred to keep the details of his marriage private, he did previously speak up for Betsy amid rumours that their relationship had led to his divorce.
Speaking with the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Gene clarified: “By the way, I did not leave my real-life wife for a younger woman. We just drifted apart. We lost sight of each other. When you work in this business, marriage takes a great deal of work and love.”
In 2020, Gene also offered a sweet insight into their low-key weekend rituals, telling Empire magazine: “We like simple stories that some of the little low-budget films manage to produce. Friday night is set aside for a Comedy Channel marathon with particular attention paid to Eddie Izzard. The speed of thought is amazing.”
The pair eschewed the spotlight, preferring to spend time with each other and their pets rather than attend glitzy A-list bashes. In this regard, Santa Fe proved to be the perfect place for the famous couple to set up home together. As Gene told the Irish Independent in 2000: “Where we live, in Sante Fe, you can lead your own life and not be bothered by the latest gossip.”
Read the full story, here.
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Susan Knox
Gene Hackman and wife’s deaths branded ‘suspicious’ by cops in search warrant
Gene Hackman and his wife’s deaths alongside their beloved dog have been branded “suspicious” according to authorities, it has been reported.
The Oscar-winning actor, 95, his wife Betsy Arakawa and their beloved dog were tragically found dead in their home in New Mexico just after midnight on Thursday. The police have said it is currently an active investigation but they do not believe that foul play was a factor at this time.
Police have since requested a search warrant for the Santa Fe home. According to Sheriff Adan Mendoza, the couple died around midnight on Thursday 27 February and told The Santa Fe New Mexican : “I want to assure the community and neighbourhood that there’s no immediate danger to anyone.”
And in the search warrant, obtained by TMZ, the detective who asked for the search warrant has written in his affadavit that he thinks that “the death of the two deceased individuals to be suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation because the reporting party found the front door of the residence unsecured and opened, deputies observed a healthy dog running loose on the property, another healthy dog near the deceased female, a deceased dog laying 10-15 feet from the deceased female in a closet of the bathroom, the heater being moved, the pill bottle being opened and pills scattered next to the female, the male decedent being located in a separate room of the residence, and no obvious signs of a gas leak.”
Read the full story, here.
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Susan Knox
Gene Hackman’s incredible net worth as legendary actor found dead alongside wife
Gene Hackman’s astonishing net worth has been revealed following the tragic news that the legendary actor has been found dead at the age of 95.
The celebrated actor and novelist had a movie career from 1964’s Lilith to his role as Monroe Cole in Welcome to Mooseport in 2004. He’s picked up more than 30 awards, including two Oscars, two BAFTAS, and four Golden Globes.
Throughout his long career, Hackman secured an Oscar for Best Actor in 1972 as Jimmy ‘Popeye’ Doyle in The French Connection and once for Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven. He also accumulated a large fortune over the years, with a total net worth of $80 million (around £63 million), according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Hackman’s vast wealth will come as no surprise to fans, as the actor has starred in more than 100 roles and appeared in 85 movies, as well as various TV shows and stage roles. Some of his most prominent roles include Lex Luthor in the Superman films, Buck Barrow in 1967’s Bonnie and Clyde, and Royal Tenenbaum in Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums.
He was born in 1930 and joined the military at 16, having lied about his age. He spent four years in the army before launching his acting career. He rose to fame after appearing in the Broadway show Any Wednesday in 1964 before securing his first Oscar nod for Bonnie and Clyde and another for I Never Sang for My Father.
Read the full story, here.
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Susan Knox
Gene Hackman admits fear of dying in shock interview before his death
The late Gene Hackman spoke about the fear of dying in an interview that’s resurfaced following the news of his death.
Gene spoke about a fear of dying in an interview with CNN’s Larry King back in 2004. During the interview, he discussed previously having angioplasty – which is a procedure used to open up narrowed or blocked arteries. Gene confirmed that he had “heart problems,” with him adding that around 12 years prior to the interview he had “severe angina”.
Later asked if he worries about his health, he told host Larry: “I try to take care of myself. I don’t have a lot of fears. I have the normal fear of passing away. You know, I guess we all think about that, especially when you get to be a certain age. I want to make sure that my wife and my family are taken care of. Other than that, I don’t have a lot of fears.”
Read the full story, here.
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Susan Knox
Gene Hackman’s ‘lonely’ wish after quitting acting and hiding away from spotlight
Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, who has passed away at the age of 95, enjoyed a glittering career on the silver screen, starring in some of the greatest movies of all time.
The thespian’s extraordinary talents saw him scoop up two Oscars for his roles in The French Connection (1971) and Unforgiven (1992), while his portrayal of villainous Lex Luther in Superman (1978) remains one of the most iconic in superhero movie history.
Then, in 2004, California-born Gene took a step back from the limelight in favour of a more solitary life, later opening up about his decision in a poignant interview. In his final decades, Gene also enjoyed a second career as a novelist. The multitalented writer penned five novels in total, four of which were published after his retirement from acting: Wake of the Perdido Star (1999), Justice for None (2004), Escape from Andersonville (2008), Payback at Morning Peak (2011), and Pursuit (2013).
Explaining what he loved about being an author in a 2020 interview with Empire, Gene shared: “I like the loneliness of it, actually. It’s similar in some ways to acting, but it’s more private, and I feel like I have more control over what I’m trying to say and do. There’s always a compromise in acting and in film; you work with so many people, and everyone has an opinion. … I don’t know that I like it better than acting, it’s just different. I find it relaxing and comforting.”
Read the full story, here.
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Susan Knox
Gene Hackman mysteries – all the unanswered questions of triple house death
Recent news about Gene Hackman seems to have deepened the mysteries surrounding his death, after it emerged that the bodies of himself and his wife were identified several hours after a welfare call to their mansion.
Despite the confirmation of the trio’s deaths, many key details still haven’t been confirmed by police. Major aspects such as cause – or causes – of death are still unclear, alongside times of death.
The Sheriff’s Office have revealed that they’re waiting on a search warrant as part of their investigation, suggesting there could be more to unpack as the inquiries continue – after it was revealed that they first attended the Hackman home in response to a neighbour who called to request a welfare check on Gene and Betsy.
One mystery surrounds the welfare call itself, which was revealed by the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office during a statement to US news station KOB 4. The cops shared that they had attended Hackman’s address in response to a call from a neighbour who urged them to complete a welfare check on the actor and his wife. However, the contents of the call are unknown, with the reason why the neighbour felt compelled to call the police remaining a mystery.
Alongside the questions surrounding the welfare call, it has been revealed that although police attended the property at around 1:45p.m on Wednesday and discovered Gene and Betsy’s bodies, they weren’t able to identify the spouses until 12:30 a.m. on Thursday morning. A reason for the gap in time has not yet been provided, nor has a time of death been confirmed.
Read the full story, here.
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Lauren Morris
Josh Brolin ‘crushed’ by tragic deaths of Gene Hackman and wife Betsy
Hollywood actor has paid tribute to Gene Hackman in an emotional Instagram post. The star wrote: “I am crushed by the sudden deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa (and their dog). Crushed.”
He added: “He was always one of my favorites. Not many who beat to their own drums like he did. Rest in Peace.”
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KEY EVENT
Gene Hackman’s family suspect carbon monoxide as reason for deaths
(Image: ullstein bild via Getty Images)
Gene Hackman’s family members believe the actor, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and one of their dogs died because of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The actor’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, told TMZ they’re not sure about their deaths but believe the cause could be from toxic fumes. She added police officers found no signs of foul play.
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Police reveal two of Gene’s dogs survived
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza had told TMZ that authorities found two surviving dogs at Gene’s property on Wednesday. One of his dogs was found dead alongside Gene and his wife Betsy.
Gene and Betsy were huge animal lovers and had two German shepherds before they adopted a third dog while he was filming The Replacements alongside Keanu Reaves. While the pair were filming, two stray dogs walked onto the set. Gene initially took them to an animal shelter, which named the dogs Gene and Keanu after the starring pair. Later, Betsy and Gene made the decision to adopt the dog named Gene.
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Zara Woodcock
Antonio Banderas says it’s a ‘sad day for cinema’
Once Upon A Time In Mexico star Antonio Banderas joined the slew of celebrities paying tribute to the legendary actor. He took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share a photo of Gene and his wife Betsy dressed up on the red carpet at a glitzy event.
He said: “A very sad day for the cinema’s family. Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have passed away. My deepest condolences to friends, family and cinema lovers. RIP.”
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Zara Woodcock
BAFTA ‘saddened’ by Gene Hackman’s death
(Image: AP)
BAFTA has said it is “saddened” by the death of Gene Hackman in a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter. It said: “We are saddened to hear that the much-celebrated actor Gene Hackman has died aged 95.
“Hackman’s illustrious career spanned over six decades and earned him BAFTA wins for his work in Unforgiven, The French Connection and The Poseidon Adventure.”
Valerie Perrine, who starred in 1978’s Superman with Gene, called the late actor one of the “greatest to grace the silver screen”. Valerie starred as Eve Teschmacher, the girlfriend of Gene’s character Lex Luthor, who was Superman’s nemesis.
In a post to X, she wrote alongside images of the pair together: “The great Gene Hackman has passed away. He was a genius & 1 of the greatest to grace the silver screen. I had the honor of working with Him on Superman. His performances are legendary. His talent will be missed. Goodbye my sweet Lex Till we meet again. Valerie.”
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Gene Hackman’s neighbour ‘welfare call’ to police
New details have emerged on the tragic deaths of Oscar winner Gene Hackman at the age of 95, his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, and their pet dog.
The sheriff’s office revealed to US news station KOB 4 that the police went to Gene’s address in response to a call from a neighbour who urged them to complete a welfare check on the actor and his wife, according to People.
The outlet added that despite police attending the property early on Wednesday afternoon, Gene and Betsy’s bodies weren’t able to be identified until 12:30 a.m. on Thursday morning. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the couple, who had been married since 1991, were found dead along with their dog on Wednesday afternoon in their Santa Fe home.
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Police waiting on search warrant for Gene Hackman’s home
Authorities are currently waiting on a search warrant for the actor’s property. The police don’t suspect any foul play but are still waiting on the search warrant. “All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant,” Adan Mendoza, the Santa Fe County sheriff, said.
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Zara Woodcock
Gene Hackman’s past money issues
Gene once revealed he was ‘seven million bucks in debt’ in an interview from 2000. He revealed: “I used to have to borrow my daughter’s car to go to interviews in Hollywood. Just a piece-of-s*** Toyota… I was six, seven million bucks in debt; I had spent too much and I had a lot of tax shelters that didn’t work.
“I owed the government four million dollars. I was just barely hanging in, taking pretty much anything that was offered to me and trying to make it work.”
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Zara Woodcock
Clint Eastwood’s recent birthday message
Fellow Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood only recently wished Gene a happy birthday on social media.
Clint and Gene worked together on the 1992 Western movie Unforgiven, which was directed by Clint, 94. Gene won the best supporting actor at the Academy Awards for the role – which made one out of two he won over his life.
“Happy 95th Birthday to Gene Hackman….” Clint shared along with a throwback photo of the two.
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Zara Woodcock
Francis Ford Coppola pays tribute to ‘magnificent’ actor
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Francis Ford Coppola, who directed Gene in the 1974 movie, The Conversation, posted a tribute on Instagram which said: “The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration: Gene Hackman a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution.”
Fans immediately took to the comment section to praise Gene’s incredible talent, with one user writing: “Gene Hackman was the type of actor that if you saw his name in the cast, you knew the film would be amazing,” and another posting: “Will be rewatching the conversation today, the haunting last few minutes the cctv camera type camera tilt and pan freaks me out every time.”
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Zara Woodcock
Inside Gene Hackman’s secluded Santa Fe home
(Image: Getty Images)
Gene previously opened up about his scenic Santa Fe home in an interview with Architectural Digest back in 1990, having remodelled his house on twelve acres of hilltop land with a 360-degree view.
The 1950s block building was renovated for Gene and his wife Betsy into a “part pueblo, part colonial New Mexico, part Spanish Baroque” property.
“It had a kind of magic in it,” Gene said in the interview. “It’s totally different from my other houses. The Montecito house was very formal.”
Gene had lived in a number of impressive properties throughout his life, including a home in Montecito located on 25 acres of land. “We spent a year and a half on it and it gives me a great deal of pleasure,” he told Architectural Digest in 1982 of the home he shared with ex-wife Faye Maltese. “Continuing pleasure, you might say, because we are always working on it.”
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Gene Hackman’s health battles which led to retirement
(Image: Getty Images)
Gene battled with his health over the years and explained his decision to retire was purely for health reasons as he revealed he was advised by a doctor to take a step back from his career.
In 2009, he told Empire: “The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a stress test that I took in New York. The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress.”
During an older chat with CNN’s Larry King, he discussed having his angioplasty – where a person’s blocked coronary arteries are opened to allow more blood flow.
“I did, 12, 14 years ago, I had severe angina. So they did angioplasty,” he said, “I try to take care of myself. I don’t have a lot of fears. I have the normal fear of passing away. You know, I guess we all think about that, especially when you get to be a certain age. I want to make sure that my wife and my family are taken care of. Other than that, I don’t have a lot of fears.”
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Zara Woodcock
Gene Hackman’s sweet bond with pets
(Image: Facebook)
Gene’s author bio describes the retired actor as sharing his Santa Fe home with his wife and two German shepherds. The couple were clearly animal lovers and they previously had three dogs as in 1999 the actor adopted the third dog while he was filming The Replacements in Baltimore alongside Keanu Reeves.
While the pair were filming, two stray dogs walked onto the set. Gene initially took them to an animal shelter, which named the dogs Gene and Keanu after the starring pair. Later, Betsy and Gene made the decision to adopt the dog named Gene.
Animal Rescue Inc, the shelter which Gene and Betsy adopted their dog from, shared a birthday message to Gene on January 30 this year. In a Facebook post, the animal rescue shelter wrote: “Happy 94th birthday to our most famous adopter Gene Hackman !! While filming The Replacements in Baltimore in 1999, two stray dogs wandered onto the movie set. Both dogs were transported to us via limousine and the Hackmans came up the following week and adopted one of them.#adoptdontshop”.
Gene, 95, and his wife Betsy, 63, were found in their home alongside their dog at around 1.45pm on Wednesday afternoon
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KEY EVENT
Gene Hackman’s heartbreaking confession about his children
Gene’s personal life away from the limelight was marked by a strained relationship with his children, something he later admitted to with a heartbreaking confession. Gene had been living a quiet, reclusive life after stepping away from the public eye over two decades ago.
He married his first wife, Faye Maltese, in 1956, and the couple had three children together: Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1986 after nearly three decades together.
Gene once admitted that his career took priority over his family life, which led to his children feeling distant from him during their formative years. In an interview back in 2000, Gene told The Irish Independent: “I couldn’t always be home with them when they were growing up and then, living in California, they’ve had my success always hanging over their heads.”
In a GQ interview in 2012, Gene talked about missing out on important family moments. He replied when asked what advice he would give his son: “I lost touch with my son in terms of advice early on. Maybe it had to do with being gone so much, doing location films when he was at an age where he needed support and guidance. It was very tough for me to be gone for three months and then come home and start bossing him around.”
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Lucy Needham
Gene Hackman’s early life before glittering Hollywood career
Hollywood star Gene Hackman has died (Image: Getty Images)
Born in California in 1930, Hackman left home at age 16 to enlist in the marine corps and served from 1947 to 1952 as a field radio operator and then as a broadcast journalist.
He went on to study journalism and television production at the University of Illinois, but later pivoted to pursue an acting career. Hackman had a few TV and theatre roles before breaking through with his performance in 1967’s Bonnie And Clyde, which starred Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway in the titular roles, which landed him an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor.
Piers Morgan shares tribute to Gene and Betsy
Journalist Piers Morgan shared the news of Gene’s death, and added: “What an incredibly sad end to a remarkable life. RIP.”
Even production companies took a moment to note the major loss to cinema, with Studio Canal UK sharing a photo of Gene and writing: “What a colossal loss for cinema today. Hugely saddened by the passing of one of the true greats – Gene Hackman. We send our deepest condolences.”
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Lucy Needham
George Takei calls Gene Hackman ‘A true giant of the screen’
George Takei has joined the stars paying Gene Hackman who was found dead alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa, referring to him as “one of the true giants of the screen”.
Posting to X, formerly Twitter, the actor and author wrote: “We have lost one of the true giants of the screen.
“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. He will be missed, but his work will live on forever.”
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KEY EVENT
Gene Hackman’s bold admission about dying
(Image: WireImage)
Gene revealed to CNN’s Larry King that he did not have more film projects lined up and he was retiring from acting in a bombshell end of career chat.
In the same interview, Gene and Larry discussed his angioplasty — a medical procedure in which blocked coronary arteries are opened to restore blood flow to the heart muscle. Gene revealed at the time, “I did, 12, 14 years ago, I had severe angina. So they do [angioplasty].”
He added, “I try to take care of myself. I don’t have a lot of fears. I have the normal fear of passing away. You know, I guess we all think about that, especially when you get to be a certain age. I want to make sure that my wife and my family are taken care of. Other than that, I don’t have a lot of fears.”
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Zara Woodcock
Dara O’Briain and Lorraine Kelly lead tributes
Upon hearing the shocking news, comedian Dara O’Briain paid tribute to the critically-acclaimed actor. Taking to X on Thursday, he wrote: “Ah, Gene Hackman. The finest screen actor ever, I think. Not a single duff performance, in a long, long career. And the best delivery ever of a single word: when he says “Cigars!” In Young Frankenstein.”
While appearing on Good Morning Britain, Lorraine Kelly was ‘really really sad’ as she said: “That is a real shocker, I was just reading about what an amazing actor he is, when you think of the movies that he’s been in…French Connection, everybody remembers that! Wonderful, wonderful film! I had no idea he was 95! That’s really really sad.”
She continued: “He’s an absolute icon, brilliant. He was so funny in Birdcage… he could do drama, he could do comedy, he could do absolutely anything.”
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Cause of death
In a statement to the Santa Fe New Mexican, County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were found dead on Wednesday in the Santa Fe Summit community northeast of the city.
It quoted the police department saying: “We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday.” The Press Association confirmed there is an “active investigation’’ into the deaths. Sheriff Mendoza said there was no immediate indication of foul play. He did not provide a cause of death or say when the couple might have died.
A statement from the Sheriff’s office read: “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.”
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Zara Woodcock
Rare comments about wife Betsy
Gene kept his relationship with Betsy away from the spotlight but he occasionally commented on their life together. He also shut down rumours he left his first wife for Betsy.
“By the way, I did not leave my real-life wife for a younger woman. We just drifted apart. We lost sight of each other. When you work in this business, marriage takes a great deal of work and love,” he once said.
The pair reportedly met at the gym and fell in love. She is also a stepmother to the actor’s three children from his previous marriage, including son Christopher Allen and daughters Leslie Anne and Elizabeth Jean.
Speaking about his kids, he said in 2000: “It’s tough being the son or daughter of a celebrity. I couldn’t always be home with them when they were growing up and then, living in California, they’ve had my success always hanging over their heads.”
The pair were very private but in 2020, Gene made some rare comments about their weekly ritual as a couple, insisting they always had a date night on a Friday. He said: “We like simple stories that some of the little low-budget films manage to produce. Friday night is set aside for a Comedy Channel marathon with particular attention paid to Eddie Izzard. The speed of thought is amazing.”
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Lucy Needham
Tragedy of Gene’s beloved dog
Hackman and Arakawa shared their Santa Fe home with their beloved German shepherds.
While Hackman was filming The Replacements in Baltimore, two strays dogs wandered onto the set. The actor had them brought to a local shelter, which named the dogs Gene and Keanu, after Hackman and his costar Keanu Reeves.
Gene and his wife went on to adopt the one named after him.
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Zara Woodcock
Gene and Betsy’s cause of death
It is understood there is no indication of foul play in Gene and Betsy’s deaths.
An active investigation into the couple’s deaths is ongoing. The cause of the deaths of the couple is not yet known. The police department said: “We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail.
“This is an active investigation – however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor.”
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Lucy Needham
Who was Gene’s wife Betsy?
In 1991 tied the knot with with classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, who was 32 years his junior.
He began dating Arakawa in 1984, while still married to his first wife Faye Maltese. The duo reportedly met at a fitness center in Los Angeles.
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Zara Woodcock
Gene Hackman’s rise to fame – early career
Gene started his career in acting in 1956 when he joined the Pasadena Playhouse in California where he befriended fellow aspiring actor Dustin Hoffman. The duo were seen as outsiders by their peers, with the two being voted ‘The Least Likely To Succeed’.
He was determined to prove them wrong and moved to New York City, working at a Howard Johnson’s restaurant to keep afloat while looking for acting jobs. While working at the restaurant, he ran into an instructor from the Pasadena Playhouse who said his job proved Gene “wouldn’t amount to anything”.
The rejection and criticism he received motivated him to do well. Gene once said: “It was more psychological warfare, because I wasn’t going to let those f**kers get me down. I insisted with myself that I would continue to do whatever it took to get a job. It was like me against them, and in some way, unfortunately, I still feel that way. But I think if you’re really interested in acting there is a part of you that relishes the struggle.
“It’s a narcotic in the way that you are trained to do this work and nobody will let you do it, so you’re a little bit nuts. You lie to people, you cheat, you do whatever it takes to get an audition, get a job.”
He got various bit roles, including in Mad Dog Coll, Tallahassee 7000, Route 66, Naked City, East Side/West Side and Brenner. He also started performing on stage for several Off-Broadway plays, such as The Saintliness of Margery Kempe in 1959. Several years later, he made his Broadway debut in Children From Their Games.
The success of Any Wednesday with Sandy Dennis opened doors for him in the acting world, with his first credited role being in Lilith. He returned to Broadway several times while doing work in television for The FBI, Hawk and more. By the late 60s, he had small roles in First to Fight, A Covenant with Death and Banning.
In 1967, he appeared as Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The icon almost accepted the role of Mike Brady for The Brady Bunch but his agent advised he decline it for a better role.
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Zara Woodcock
Gene’s retirement from acting
When Gene announced his retirement from acting, he told Reuters in 2008: “I haven’t held a press conference to announce retirement, but yes, I’m not going to act any longer. I’ve been told not to say that over the last few years, in case some real wonderful part comes up, but I really don’t want to do it any longer.”
He went on to discuss his passion for writing books, revealing he ‘liked the loneliness of it’. Gene said: “It’s similar in some ways to acting, but it’s more private and I feel like I have more control over what I’m trying to say and do. There’s always a compromise in acting and in film, you work with so many people and everyone has an opinion. … I don’t know that I like it better than acting, it’s just different. I find it relaxing and comforting.”
A few years later, he told GQ he would only ever come out of retirement to do one more film if he could ‘do it from his own house’. Despite his retirement, he narrated two Marine Corps documentaries called The Unknown Flag Raiser of Iwo Jima and We, The Marines.
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Statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff in New Mexico
A statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff in New Mexico said there is an “active investigation” into the death of two-time Oscar winning actor GeneHackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa.
The police department said: “We can confirm that both GeneHackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail. This is an active investigation – however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor.”
It also confirmed his wife’s name of Betsy Arakawa.
They said they were dispatched to the propoerty on February 26 at around 1.45pm. The police 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.”
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Zara Woodcock
Frail final sighting
(Image: @SethRudetsky/Twitter)
Gene and his wife were last spotted in public in March 2024.
It was the first time the couple were seen together in more than two decades. After celebrating his 94th birthday at the time, he was pictured grabbing food to eat at Pappadeaux’s in Santa Fe.
The star looked frail as he gripped onto Betsy while they navigated a set of stairs after their meal. Gene used a cane while holding onto his spouse for balance while they walked to their car.
He was seen also seen leaving a 7-Eleven in a pair of cargo pants, a plaid shirt and a grey zip-up vest with black trainers on his feet. He carried an apple pie in one hand and a coffee in the other. Earlier in the month, Gene had been spotted on a solo outing near his home in Santa Fe as he worked in his garden.
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Zara Woodcock
Reclusive family life
(Image: Getty Images)
The Hollywood star mainly stayed away from the spotlight in the last decade, living a reclusive life with his wife.
His final film role was in 2004’s Welcome to Mooseport, with the star soon announcing his intention to retire from acting. The star’s last official public appearance was in 2007 and he has been rarely seen out and about.
Gene then turned his focus to writing after retiring from his acting career. He wrote three fiction novels with undersea archaeologist Daniel Lenihan, and two solo efforts in 2011 and 2013.
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Lucy Needham
Cops speak out
Cops have said there are no signs of foul play, per the Santa Fe New Mexican.
“All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant,” Adan Mendoza, the Santa Fe County sheriff said.
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Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa found dead
(Image: ullstein bild via Getty Images)
Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife were found at their Santa Fe home.
The couple, who tied the knot in 1991, were found at home alongside their dog. Local media said no foul play is suspected. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza had not provided a cause of death and did not say when the couple died.
Gene and classical pianist Betsy married in 1991. The Santa Fe home they lived in was featured in Architectural Digest in 1990. He was previously married to Faye Maltese, with whom he had one son and two daughters: Christopher Allen,
Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Ann Hackman.
