- Gene Hackman was an American actor, his career spanned four decades
- He and his wife were found dead in their home on 26 February
- Hackman’s and the other deaths are being treated as suspicious by police
After losing Michelle Trachtenberg on 26 February, fans were shocked when news broke that actor Gene Hackman had also died. Immediately, tributes poured in for the legendary actor, whose career spanned four decades. BBC News reported that on 26 February Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog were found dead in their New Mexico home. Gene Hackman’s death and his wife’s death are being treated as “suspicious” by law enforcement.
Ahead there will be details about Gene Hackman’s death as well as his wife’s death.
How were they found?
Hackman was found in a side room near the kitchen in the house, while Arakawa was in a bathroom. Authorities reported no signs of injury but deemed the deaths “suspicious” enough to open an investigation. An autopsy also found “no external trauma to either individual“. A full autopsy may take weeks to complete and get the results.
Hackman’s lengthy career earned him two Academy Awards for The French Connection and Unforgiven. Some of Hackman’s other well-known roles included starring in the crime thriller Mississippi Burning and The Conversation alongside Harrison Ford.
Read More: Gene Hackman: His most iconic roles
Users online were divided on the deaths, initially thinking that the couple and pet had died in a gas leak. However, authorities seemed unconvinced on the theory there was a gas leak. Upon investigation, they found “found no sign of a gas leak in the area,” making the theory seem less plausible. Additionally, there was no indication of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning, but a toxicology report and carbon monoxide tests on the couple were requested and the results have not been released yet.
No cause of death has been determined for either person yet, but here is why the deaths are considered “suspicious” by authorities.
Why is Gene Hackman’s death considered suspicious by law enforcement?
As we have said, the obvious theory of a gas leak seemed to be the point of call for Gene Hackman’s death and the other deaths. Since authorities found no visible injuries and there was “no sign of forced entry”, the likelihood of burglary or a home invasion seems unlikely, according to the details they have given.
The BBC also reported authorities observed no items were missing from the house, and no signs of things being looked through, which is usually an obvious sign of a burglary or home invasion.
It must be noted that this is just speculation but is based on the facts that law enforcement gave.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office gave a statement on the deaths: “On 26 February 2025, at approximately 1:45 pm, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to an address on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park where Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and a dog were found deceased,” an officer said.
Another point that law enforcement made was that only one of the couple’s pets was deceased and two other dogs were found “roaming” around the property. When the two were found, those on the scene noted to the public that they had been “deceased for quite a while,” but did not want to speculate on how long.
On how they knew this, an officer on scene had said it was because of the state of decomposition of Arkawa’s hands and feet.
The door was open
The detail that authorized a search warrant of the house was the fact that the person who called emergency services found the front door of the property open. This prompted a thorough search of the property.
Theory by law enforcement
Although there is no in-depth theory yet, officers on-scene did have some theories about what may’ve happened. None of these theories have been proven or disproven by sufficient evidence because the investigation is ongoing.
In the bathroom where Akwawa was found, there was a portable heater by her head. A detective theorized that the heater could’ve fallen had Akwawa fallen herself, which would’ve brought it down. Another important detail to note is that prescription pill bottles and individual pills were on the countertop near her. Law enforcement hasn’t provided a theory on this piece of evidence yet.
Gene Hackman’s death
As for Hackman, the initial theory was that he also may’ve fallen which may’ve resulted in Hackman’s death, although they did not directly state that. Next to his body were his walking cane and sunglasses. Since he was in a different room, the circumstances of death may be different.
They are also investigating other avenues, which are still being updated.
Tributes by Hackman’s children
Three of the actor’s children released a statement on his death. Annie, Elizabeth, and Leslie Hackman said: “He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss,” Elizabeth, Lesli,e and Annie Hackman said.”
Stay tuned for updates on Hackman’s death and the investigation.
