What were the circumstances under which Gene Hackman and his wife were found dead?

Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead during a welfare check at their Santa Fe home. Hackman was found on the floor in the mud room, and Arakawa was found in a bathroom with a space heater nearby. There were no obvious signs of trauma or foul play, but the deaths were considered suspicious due to the circumstances.

Have the causes of death been determined for Gene Hackman and his wife?

The causes of death for Gene Hackman and his wife have not been determined yet. Initial autopsy findings showed no external trauma, and carbon monoxide poisoning was ruled out. Toxicology tests are pending to see if medications played a role.

What is the status of the investigation into their deaths?

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities keeping all possibilities open. While there is no indication of foul play, it has not been ruled out. Investigators are awaiting toxicology results to help determine the cause of death.

How has the community reacted to the news of their deaths?

The community in Santa Fe is expressing shock and sadness over the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife. They were deeply involved in the local community, and residents are seeking clarity about the circumstances surrounding their passing.

6 sources·World

Mysterious Deaths of Hollywood Legend Gene Hackman and Wife in Santa Fe Sparks Community Grief

Gene Hackman, 95, and Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their Santa Fe home, raising questions about their mysterious deaths.

33%

The distribution of story sources: left-leaning (blue), center (light gray), and right-leaning (red).

Mostly Reliable

The underlying sources are generally reliable but sometimes include opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.

Balanced

The underlying sources are either a balanced mix of left and right or primarily centrist.

The circumstances around the couple’s deaths have made people uneasy, she said.
Santa Fe abuzz as residents wonder: what caused Gene Hackman’s death?
The Guardian·19d
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.
The couple was a “very private family,” Mendoza said, making it challenging to piece together a timeline.
Gene Hackman and his wife tested negative for carbon monoxide, sheriff says
New York Post·19d
Mostly Reliable
This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
·
Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.
Mendoza said the couple’s reputation for privacy has complicated the investigation.
Carbon Monoxide Ruled Out as Cause of Death for Gene Hackman and Wife
Epoch Times·19d
Mixed Reliable
This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.
Authorities have not determined whether Arakawa and Hackman died at the same time.
Hackman's pacemaker reveals actor may have died over a week before he was discovered
Salon·19d
Mostly Reliable
This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
·
Left
This outlet favors left-wing views.
The deaths of Hackman, 95, and Betsy Arakawa, 65, immediately prompted suspicion, authorities said.
Gene Hackman's pacemaker activity suggests he died several days before he was found
NPR·19d
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
However, their deaths were "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation" due to all of the "circumstances surrounding" the scene, according to the search warrant affidavit.
Gene Hackman and his wife test negative for carbon monoxide after mysteriously found dead
ABC News·19d
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

Feb 28th, 2025, 11:47 PM ET

Summary

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

Gene Hackman, 95, and wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their Santa Fe home, triggering community mourning and questions. Found by a maintenance worker, investigators believe Hackman died on February 17 as indicated by his pacemaker; however, preliminary autopsy results ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning and found no foul play. Officials await toxicology results to determine if medications contributed to the deaths. The couple was deeply embedded in their local community, celebrated for their contributions, including Hackman's involvement with the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. Residents express shock and sadness, seeking clarity about the circumstances surrounding their passing.

Perspectives

Compare opinions on this story from liberal (Left), conservative (Right) or center-leaning news organizations.

No center-leaning sources available for this story.

FAQs

A list of follow-up questions readers often ask about this story.

History

A summary of how this story has evolved over the last 24 hours.