Nearly a week after the tragic discovery of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, a neighbor has shared insights into how seldom he encountered the late Hollywood icon. The deaths of the legendary actor and his wife have raised many questions, as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding their passing.
On February 26, news emerged that Hackman and Arakawa had been found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home, leaving the entertainment industry in shock over the loss of the two-time Academy Award-winning actor, whose career spanned decades. Initial reports suggested no foul play, but as more details surfaced, authorities deemed the situation suspicious enough to warrant a thorough investigation.
Law enforcement reports indicated that Hackman, 95, was found in the mudroom of his home in a state of partial mummification, while Arakawa was discovered in a bathroom next to a bottle of pills. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza later described the presence of the pills as a “significant” piece of evidence in the case.
In an interview with TMZ, Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, expressed uncertainty about the cause of her parents’ deaths. One theory the family considered was carbon monoxide poisoning, a silent threat that can occur without warning. “The house is fairly modern, built in 2000,” Elizabeth explained. “But we don’t know if there were any issues with gas leaks or if there were any recent service calls to the property.”
Despite these concerns, investigations by the Santa Fe City Fire Department and the New Mexico Gas Company found no evidence of a carbon monoxide leak or gas-related poisoning in the home, deepening the mystery surrounding their deaths.
Sheriff Mendoza revealed another key detail: Hackman’s pacemaker recorded its final heartbeat on February 17, leading authorities to believe that the acclaimed actor likely passed away on that date, nine days before his body was discovered.
As speculation continues, neighbors have begun to share their experiences, highlighting how infrequently they saw Hackman and Arakawa in the years leading up to their deaths. Living in a private, gated community about five miles from Santa Fe, the couple appeared to lead a reclusive lifestyle.
James Everett, a part-time resident living next door for about five years, noted, “They have a gate, and we have a gate, and we just have never even seen each other.” Another neighbor, Bud Hamilton, who lived adjacent to Hackman’s property for around 20 years, recalled sharing a meal with the couple only once during that time.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Longtime resident Harvey Chalker shared his brief encounter with Hackman, noting that the actor clearly valued his privacy. “He wanted to be left alone; he didn’t want to be bothered, and I can’t blame him,” Chalker remarked.
Hackman’s preference for solitude was well known, as he spent his later years away from Hollywood, focusing on writing and personal interests. Despite stepping out of the limelight, his influence on the film industry remained significant. His performances in iconic films like The French Connection, Unforgiven, Superman, and The Royal Tenenbaums solidified his status as one of the greatest actors of his era.
As authorities await the results of autopsy and toxicology reports, the investigation into the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa is ongoing. While foul play has not been ruled out, there were no immediate signs of struggle or forced entry at the scene. The medical examiner’s report, expected in the coming weeks, may provide the answers that investigators are currently seeking.
In the meantime, friends, fans, and family members continue to mourn the loss of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, cherishing the life they shared and the lasting impact Hackman had on the world of cinema.