Gene Hackman, the celebrated actor known for his iconic roles in films like Unforgiven and The French Connection, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were tragically found dead in their New Mexico home on Wednesday, along with their dog. While the cause of their deaths has not yet been officially determined, their passing has left fans and family members in shock. Hackman, who was 95, and Arakawa, 64, were discovered after a neighbor reported concerns about their well-being, having not heard from the couple in some time. This heartbreaking news has sparked an outpouring of tributes to Hackman’s legendary career and a deeper look into the final days of the couple’s life together.
According to Leslie Hackman, Gene’s daughter from his first marriage, the actor was in remarkably good physical health for his age. She shared that he regularly practiced Pilates and yoga, which he continued to do several times a week. Leslie, 58, described her father as being in “very good” condition despite his advanced years, though she admitted that his memory had begun to fade. She recalled that during a recent birthday celebration, Arakawa had to remind Gene of the occasion three times. While his physical health was robust, it seems that time had taken its toll on his mental clarity. Leslie’s comments paint a picture of a man who remained active and engaged but was slowly surrendering to the natural effects of aging.
Leslie also reflected on her relationship with her father, describing it as “close,” despite not having seen him in a couple of months due to the distance between their homes—she resides in California, while Gene lived in New Mexico. She emphasized that everything seemed normal and that there was no indication of any underlying issues that might have pointed to such a tragic outcome. The news of their deaths has left her and her siblings searching for answers, as they attempt to come to terms with the loss of both their father and his wife.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths of Gene and Betsy are still unclear, and authorities are investigating the possibility of suspicious circumstances. Leslie expressed her anxiety about discovering the cause of their passing, as the couple is believed to have been deceased for at least a day before their bodies were found. A neighbor had contacted the police to request a welfare check after not hearing from Arakawa for a couple of weeks. Upon entering the home, officers found the couple and their dog deceased, with no immediate signs of foul play. However, the presence of scattered prescription pills near Arakawa and the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning have been raised as potential factors. Leslie noted that while the idea of carbon monoxide poisoning is distressing, it would at least mean that their deaths were swift and painless, which she finds some small comfort in during this difficult time.
The investigation into the deaths is ongoing, and officials have labeled the incident as “suspicious” despite initially stating that there was no evidence of foul play. A search warrant obtained by TMZ revealed that authorities are exploring all possible angles, leaving the family and fans with more questions than answers. Leslie’s speculation about carbon monoxide poisoning highlights the uncertainty surrounding the case, as well as the family’s desire for clarity and closure. The lack of obvious signs of a gas leak further complicates the situation, leaving investigators to sift through the details of the couple’s final days for any clues.
In a statement to Page Six, Leslie and her sister, Elizabeth, 63, confirmed the deaths of their father and stepmother. Gene is survived by his three children—Leslie, Elizabeth, and Christopher, 65—from his first marriage to Faye Maltese, whom he was married to from 1956 to 1986. He later married Betsy Arakawa in 1991, and the couple had shared a life together for over three decades. As the family and fans alike mourn the loss of this talented actor and his wife, they are also celebrating the incredible legacy Gene Hackman leaves behind. His contributions to film and his enduring talent continue to inspire, even as the circumstances of his final days remain shrouded in mystery. For now, the focus is on honoring his life and seeking the truth about his passing, as his loved ones navigate the challenges of grieving while waiting for answers.
