The discovery occurred on Wednesday. Denise Avila, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, stated that there were no signs of gunshot wounds or any injuries suggesting foul play. However, detectives from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office noted in a search warrant affidavit that the circumstances surrounding the deaths appeared “suspicious enough in nature to warrant a comprehensive investigation.”
Hackman, aged 95, was located in an entryway, while his 65-year-old wife, Betsy Arakawa, was found lying on her right side in the bathroom. A space heater was positioned near her head and may have fallen when she collapsed, as indicated in the affidavit.
Following the discovery of the bodies, the New Mexico Gas Company conducted tests on the gas lines in and around the home. At that time, no issues were identified, and the Fire Department reported no evidence of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning. A detective mentioned that while there were no clear indications of a gas leak, individuals exposed to such conditions might not exhibit immediate signs of poisoning.
The gruff yet cherished Hackman was recognized as one of the most talented actors of his era, portraying a range of characters from villains to heroes and antiheroes in numerous dramas, comedies, and action films from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s.
“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,” his daughters and granddaughter said in a statement Thursday. “We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”
A maintenance worker discovered the bodies of Hackman and his wife.
As detailed in the search warrant affidavit, the worker noticed the front door of the residence was ajar upon his arrival for routine maintenance on Wednesday. He subsequently contacted law enforcement after making the grim discovery.
During a 911 call, the worker expressed his inability to enter the home when the operator inquired about the occupants' condition. “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 colleague later informed authorities that they seldom interacted with the homeowners, with their last communication occurring approximately two weeks prior.
A deputy noted that Hackman seemed to have fallen, with a cane found nearby.
Additionally, a deceased German shepherd was located in a bathroom closet near Arakawa, according to police reports. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza mentioned in a press conference that the dog was discovered in a kennel, while 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.”
Sheriff's officials reported that the autopsy results for both individuals are still pending, with carbon monoxide and toxicology tests yet to be completed.
The search warrant affidavit indicates that law enforcement may be considering a theory of “some kind of gas poisoning,” although they have not ruled out other possibilities, according to Loyola Marymount University law professor Laurie Levenson.
“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 noted that the request for a search warrant is somewhat atypical, as investigators typically submit such requests when they believe a specific crime has occurred. In this instance, however, no crime was specified, according to Bellin.
While police often exaggerate their knowledge, this situation appears to be the opposite, Bellin remarked, emphasizing that he is not involved in the investigation.
“It struck me as unusually cautious, which is not often the case with search warrant affidavits,” he stated.
Renowned for his range of performances, Gene Hackman frequently appeared on lists of the greatest American actors of the 20th century. He was capable of embodying a wide array of characters, from the comic book antagonist Lex Luthor in “Superman” to a coach seeking redemption in the beloved film “Hoosiers.”
Hackman received five Academy Award nominations, winning the Oscar for best actor in a leading role for “The French Connection” in 1972 and for best actor in a supporting role for “Unforgiven” two decades later. His passing occurred just four days prior to this year’s awards ceremony.
Tributes from Hollywood began to emerge swiftly.
“There was no greater actor than Gene,” stated actor-director Clint Eastwood, Hackman’s co-star in “Unforgiven.” “He was intense and instinctive, never missing a beat. He was also a dear friend, and I will miss him greatly.”
Hackman and his wife, Arakawa, made their home in Santa Fe. They met in the mid-1980s when Arakawa, a classically trained pianist from Hawaii, was working part-time at a gym in California. The couple soon moved in together and settled in Santa Fe by the end of the decade.
Their Southwestern-style ranch, located on Old Sunset Trail, is perched on a hill within a gated community, offering views of the Rocky Mountains. The expansive four-bedroom residence, built in 1997 and situated on 6 acres, was valued at just over $4 million according to Santa Fe County property tax records.
Additionally, Hackman and his wife owned a more modest home adjacent to their main residence.
Hackman co-authored three novels, beginning with the adventurous tale “Wake of the Perdido Star,” written alongside Daniel Lenihan in 1999, as noted by publisher Simon & Schuster. He subsequently wrote two novels independently, culminating in “Pursuit” in 2013, which follows a female police officer tracking a dangerous predator.
During his initial years in New Mexico, Hackman was frequently spotted in the historic state capital, recognized as a hub for artists, a tourist attraction, and a retreat for celebrities.
From 1997 to 2004, he served on the board of trustees for the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, as stated by the museum.
Hackman’s later years
In his later years, Hackman became less prominent in public life, although even his simplest outings attracted media attention. Reports surfaced about him attending a performance at a cultural center in 2018, as well as mundane activities like refueling his car, tending to his yard, and enjoying a chicken sandwich at Wendy’s in 2023.
Aside from his appearances at award ceremonies, he was seldom seen within the Hollywood social scene and had stepped away from acting nearly two decades ago. His retirement from the industry was notably enduring.
Hackman had three children from a previous marriage. He and his partner, Arakawa, did not have children together but were known for their love of German shepherds.