Gene Hackman, a renowned actor celebrated for his nuanced performances in iconic films, passed away at the age of 95.

He was found deceased alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Authorities have stated that there are no indications of foul play, but the cause of death remains undetermined as the investigation continues.

Hackman’s career spanned over six decades, earning him two Academy Awards for his roles in “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven,” as well as numerous other accolades including BAFTAs and Golden Globes24. He was known for his versatility, playing a wide range of characters from villains to heroes in films like “Superman,” “Hoosiers,” and “The Royal Tenenbaums”14.

Tributes have poured in from the film industry, with many actors and directors praising his talent and legacy7910. Despite his retirement from acting, Hackman continued to engage in creative pursuits, including writing novels5.

Rest in peace, Gene Hackman, a true Hollywood legend whose impact on cinema will be remembered for generations to come.

The exact cause of Gene Hackman’s death has not yet been determined. Authorities have confirmed that foul play is not suspected in the deaths of Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog, who were all found deceased in their Santa Fe home on February 26, 2025. Investigators are exploring potential causes, including accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, but no definitive conclusions have been reached as the case remains under investigation148.

As of February 27, 2025, the exact cause of death for Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog has not been determined. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an active investigation into their deaths14. While authorities have stated that foul play is not suspected12, the specific circumstances leading to their passing remain unknown.

Some key points about the situation:

1. The bodies were discovered on February 26, 2025, at approximately 1:45 p.m. in their home on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park, Santa Fe15.
2. Investigators are exploring potential causes, with some speculation about carbon monoxide poisoning, though this has not been confirmed3.
3. Autopsies will be conducted by the medical examiner’s office to determine the official cause of death3.
4. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are awaiting the results of a search warrant to gather more information6.

As the investigation continues, more details may emerge about the cause of death for Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog. For now, the exact circumstances remain undetermined.

Citations:

1. https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/what-happened-to-gene-hackman-how-did-gene-hackman-die/3684318/
2. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/27/us/gene-hackman-wife-dead-new-mexico.html
3. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/gene-hackman-wife-found-dead-investigation-santa-fe-sheriffs-rcna193960
4. https://www.newsweek.com/gene-hackman-cause-death-what-we-know-so-far-betsy-arakawa-2037007
5. https://www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/gene-hackman-death-cause-carbon-monoxide-movies/6166128/
6. https://www.eonline.com/news/1414033/gene-hackman-case-investigation-launched-after-actor-found-dead-alongside-wife-and-dog
7. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/27/obituaries/gene-hackman-dead.html
8. https://nypost.com/2025/02/27/entertainment/gene-hackman-wife-betsy-deaths-under-investigation-after-found-dead-in-new-mexico-home-police/
9. https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/27/entertainment/gene-hackman-betsy-arakawa-death/index.html
10. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cewkkkvkzn9o
11. https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/1izalm8/gene_hackman_his_wife_and_his_dog_found_dead_in/