24 sources·Entertainment

Gene Hackman and Wife Found Dead as Investigations Unfold

Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy were found dead in their New Mexico home; initial murder suspicions ruled out as deaths remain under investigation.

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  1. There Was Never a Movie Star Like Gene Hackman

    Hackman’s life was lived in quiet defiance of Hollywood fame and the strictures of celebrity.

    There Was Never a Movie Star Like Gene Hackman

    The AtlanticThe Atlantic·2M
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
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    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  2. Investigators call Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa's deaths 'suspicious'

    The sheriff believes “the circumstances surrounding the death of the two deceased individuals to be suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.”

    Investigators call Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa's deaths 'suspicious'

    MSNBCMSNBC·2M
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    ·
    Left
    This outlet favors left-wing views.
  3. Gene Hackman: Details Emerge in 'Suspicious' Deaths of Actor and Wife

    The Santa Fe Fire Department did not see any immediate signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, and an initial investigation by a local gas company found "no signs or evidence indicating there were any problems associated to the pipes in and around the residence."

    Gene Hackman: Details Emerge in 'Suspicious' Deaths of Actor and Wife

    Rolling StoneRolling Stone·2M
    Mixed Reliable
    This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
    ·
    Left
    This outlet favors left-wing views.
  4. Gene Hackman, 1930–2025

    Hackman’s success as one of the great stars of the 1970s always felt like a minor miracle.

    Gene Hackman, 1930–2025

    The BulwarkThe Bulwark·2M
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    Center
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  5. BREAKING: Deaths of Gene Hackman, wife, now being treated as ‘suspicious’ after bodies found badly decomposed, mummified

    The death of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, is being treated as suspicious after their bodies and that of a dog were found in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home.

    BREAKING: Deaths of Gene Hackman, wife, now being treated as ‘suspicious’ after bodies found badly decomposed, mummified

    The Post MillennialThe Post Millennial·2M
    Mixed Reliable
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    Right
    This outlet favors right-wing views.
  6. Gene Hackman and wife’s deaths ‘suspicious enough’ for investigation, warrant says

    The emergence later on Thursday of a search warrant, however, cast doubts about a possible gas leak and raised alternative questions about the discovery of prescription pills near Arakawa’s body.

    Gene Hackman and wife’s deaths ‘suspicious enough’ for investigation, warrant says

    The GuardianThe Guardian·2M
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    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  7. Gene Hackman tributes pour in from Francis Ford Coppola, Viola Davis, Paul Feig and more

    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.

    Gene Hackman tributes pour in from Francis Ford Coppola, Viola Davis, Paul Feig and more

    ABC NewsABC News·2M
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    ·
    Center
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  8. Gene Hackman, his wife and their dog all found dead in New Mexico home

    Since stepping away from Hollywood, Hackman largely avoided the spotlight, though his day-to-day activities occasionally attracted attention from local news and the tabloid press.

    Gene Hackman, his wife and their dog all found dead in New Mexico home

    SalonSalon·2M
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    Left
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  9. Gene Hackman, Academy Award–Winning Actor, Dead at 95

    Hackman will be remembered as one of the great actors of his time.

    Gene Hackman, Academy Award–Winning Actor, Dead at 95

    New York PostNew York Post·2M
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    ·
    Leans Right
    This outlet slightly leans right.
  10. There’s No Such Thing as a Bad Gene Hackman Movie

    Gene Hackman had everything and so much more.

    There’s No Such Thing as a Bad Gene Hackman Movie

    Breitbart NewsBreitbart News·2M
    Mixed Reliable
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    ·
    Right
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  11. Gene Hackman, Oscar-winning actor and Marine veteran, dies at 95

    Although self-effacing and unfashionable, Hackman held special status within Hollywood — heir to Spencer Tracy as an everyman, actor’s actor, curmudgeon and reluctant celebrity.

    Gene Hackman, Oscar-winning actor and Marine veteran, dies at 95

    Military TimesMilitary Times·2M
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    ·
    Center
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  10. The Bulwark
  11. The Post Millennial
  12. The Guardian
  13. ABC News
  14. Salon
  15. Associated Press
  16. New York Post
  17. CNN
  18. Breitbart News
  19. Military Times

Updated: Feb 27th, 2025, 9:20 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their New Mexico home. Initial suspicions of a carbon monoxide leak have been ruled out. Authorities discovered Hackman in a mudroom and Arakawa in a bathroom, both showing signs of decomposition. An open prescription bottle was found near Arakawa, indicating potential causes for concern. Investigations revealed no obvious signs of trauma, and a late 911 call from a caretaker was released, heightening the emotional impact of Hackman’s passing. Fellow actors and filmmakers, including Francis Ford Coppola and Clint Eastwood, have paid tribute to his impactful legacy.


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  • Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their New Mexico home, with initial suspicions of a carbon monoxide leak ruled out. Hackman was found in a mudroom and Arakawa in a bathroom, both showing signs of decomposition.

  • An open prescription bottle and scattered pills were found near Arakawa’s body, and one of their dogs was also found dead.

  • The investigation is ongoing, with no evidence of carbon monoxide poisoning or obvious signs of trauma.


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