Gene Hackman, a Hollywood legend, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their New Mexico home, police say. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office discovered the couple, aged 95 and 63, along with their dog on Wednesday. Sheriff Adan Mendoza told the Santa Fe New Mexican that no foul play is suspected, but the cause remains unknown.
Tragic Discovery Shocks Community
Deputies arrived at the couple’s Santa Fe residence on Old Sunset Trail around 1:45 p.m. Wednesday. Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, and Arakawa, a classical pianist, had lived there since swapping Los Angeles for a quieter life in 2004. Their dog’s death adds a haunting twist to the scene, officials note.
Mendoza stressed there’s no immediate danger to the neighborhood. Still, the lack of a clear cause keeps the investigation active. For now, the sheriff’s office awaits further tests to unlock the mystery.
Hackman’s Legacy Lives On
Hackman, who turned 95 last month, starred in classics like “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven,” snagging Oscars for both. He also shone in “Bonnie and Clyde,” “Superman,” and “The Royal Tenenbaums” before retiring after “Welcome to Mooseport.” His three Golden Globes and 2003 Cecil B. DeMille Award cemented his fame, pals recall.
He shunned the spotlight in recent years, settling in New Mexico with Arakawa, his wife since 1991. The couple’s private life ended abruptly, leaving fans reeling. Hackman leaves behind three kids—Christopher, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne—from his first marriage to Faye Maltese.
Posts on X suggest carbon monoxide poisoning, given the trio’s deaths in winter, but nothing’s confirmed. The sheriff’s silence on details fuels speculation. Meanwhile, tributes pour in for the actor’s towering talent.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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