February 2025 has been marked by a series of unexpected deaths, from the sudden passing of Gossip Girl star Michelle Trachtenberg at just 39 years old to the death of US actor Gene Hackman, who was 95.
Discover our latest podcast
Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog were found deceased on Wednesday, February 26, at their home in Santa Fe. Betsy Arakawa was 63 years old at the time of her death.
The investigation is ongoing
According to local reports, foul play has been ruled out for now, but authorities are actively investigating the case. The Santa Fe Police Department confirmed to Yahoo! News:
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.
The BBC reports that the cause of death is still unknown. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated:
All I can say is that we're in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant.
The couple lived away from the spotlight
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa led a low-profile life. The couple married in 1991 after beginning their relationship in the mid-80s. Arakawa, a classically trained pianist, was 32 years younger than Hackman and his second wife. Hackman was previously married to Faye Maltese from 1956 to 1986, and they share three children: Christopher Allen, Leslie Anne, and Elizabeth Jean.
The couple moved to Santa Fe after Hackman’s retirement in 2004, staying out of the public eye. They were seen only a handful of times in the past two decades, with the last public sighting occurring in March 2024, just weeks before Hackman’s 94th birthday. In the paparazzi photos of the couple, which have been published by The Sun, Hackman looks frail and was using a walking stick.
The last decades of Hackman’s life were a stark contrast to his once-dynamic career. He was one of Hollywood's most celebrated actors, having won two Academy Awards, two BAFTAs, four Golden Globes, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. His accolades include an Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Jimmy 'Popeye' Doyle in The French Connection and a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for playing Little Bill Daggett in Unforgiven.
Sources used:
Daily Mail: Gene Hackman dead at 95: Iconic actor and wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, are found dead with their dog at Santa Fe home
BBC: Gene Hackman and his wife found dead at their home
Yahoo! News: What we know as Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa found dead
Daily Mail: Inside Gene Hackman's quiet life with classical pianist wife Betsy Arakawa: From first meeting in a gym to Friday date nights - as couple are found dead in Santa Fe
Read more:
TV presenter Henry Kelly passes away at 78: 'He will be sorely missed'
Tim Roth lost his son to cancer at the young age of 25: What happened to Cormac Roth?
Sitcom legend Brian Murphy passes away at 92: His wife shares sweet tribute
