Full Story Of Gene Hackman And Betsy Arakawa’s Death: 911 Audio, Police Statement, And More

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead at their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Wednesday.

The couple and their dog were found dead at their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Wednesday.

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Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead at their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Wednesday. Preliminary medical reports indicate “no external trauma,” and authorities have ruled out foul play. Their dog was also discovered deceased at the scene.

Police issues statement on Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa

A police statement confirms that while the cause of the couple’s deaths remains undetermined. The couple and their dog were found dead at their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Wednesday. Police stated there were no apparent signs of foul play.

According to CNN, while foul play is not suspected, authorities in New Mexico have not ruled it out.

“The circumstances surrounding the death of the two deceased individuals (are considered) to be suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation,” a sheriff’s deputy stated, per an affidavit obtained by CNN affiliate KOAT.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza told reporters there were no signs of a struggle or theft, adding, “There was no obvious indication of foul play.” However, he noted that the couple had been deceased for some time.

In its initial statement, the sheriff’s office said, “Foul play is not suspected as a factor in these deaths at this time.”

Mendoza said that autopsy and toxicology reports will be key in determining the cause of death. “The investigation remains ongoing and will be handled carefully, based on facts,” he said.

Police found Gene Hackman’s body in a mudroom and his wife’s next to a space heater in a bathroom, according to a warrant.

911 Call recording 

In a distressing audio call, a worker is heard urgently pleading with a dispatcher to send first responders to the couple’s Santa Fe home. “I found one or two deceased persons inside the house. Please send someone quickly,” the caller, whose identity remains unknown, says. “[It’s] a female and a male, probably. I’m not sure, sir. Just send someone up here fast.”

NEW: Actor Gene Hackman’s German shepherd was found deceased in a bathroom closet about 15 feet from his wife’s “mummified” body, according to new reports.

The 9/11 audio has also been released.

According to the New York Times, pills were found scattered around near the body… pic.twitter.com/PUpMFA5gRM

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 27, 2025

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa death

According to the affidavit, the front door of the couple's home was found open and unsecured, though there were no immediate signs of forced entry. Arakawa's body was discovered in a bathroom, with an open pill bottle and scattered medication nearby. Police also observed a space heater positioned near her head, prompting a deputy to suggest in the search warrant that it may have toppled if she collapsed suddenly.

Details from the warrant, obtained by Variety, revealed that Arakawa’s body showed distinct signs of decomposition, including facial bloating and mummification of her hands and feet.

Hackman, along with his wife Betsy and a dog, was found dead at their New Mexico home on Wednesday afternoon at 1:45 p.m. According to The Santa Fe New Mexican, authorities did not initially suspect foul play, and the investigation is ongoing.

About Gene Hackman

Hackman, a two-time Oscar, Bafta, and Golden Globe winner, had a career spanning six decades. He won Best Actor for The French Connection (1971) and Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven (1992).

Born in 1930, he served in the Marines before pursuing acting. His breakthrough came with Bonnie and Clyde (1967), earning an Oscar nomination. Other notable films include The Poseidon Adventure (1972), The Conversation (1974), The Birdcage (1996), and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001). His final film was Welcome to Mooseport (2004).