Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, known for his iconic career spanning five decades, spent his later years living a quiet and secluded life in Santa Fe, New Mexico, alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
Their home, which the couple carefully redesigned to be a peaceful retreat, has now become the focus of a shocking investigation after the couple was found dead under mysterious circumstances.
A Shocking Discovery in a Secluded Home
On the afternoon of February 26, 2025, a maintenance worker arrived at Hackman’s Santa Fe residence for routine work. Approaching the house, he noticed the front door was open and saw a woman lying motionless inside through a window. Unable to gain entry, he immediately called 911.
Authorities arrived at the scene and found Hackman, 95, collapsed in the entryway and his wife, Arakawa, 63, deceased in the bathroom. A space heater was near Arakawa’s head, while a cane was found close to Hackman’s body.
A heartbreaking discovery was also made inside a bathroom closet—a dead German shepherd locked in a kennel. However, two other dogs were found alive, one inside and one outside the house.
Officials noted there were no signs of forced entry, no indication of a struggle, and no missing belongings. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza addressed the media, stating:
“There was no indication of a struggle. There was no indication of anything that was missing from the home or disturbed, you know, that would be indication that there was a crime that had occurred.”
Investigators initially considered gas poisoning as a possible cause, prompting the New Mexico Gas Co. to inspect the property. However, no leaks were detected.
Additionally, the fire department tested for carbon monoxide exposure and found no evidence of poisoning. As authorities await autopsy and toxicology reports, the cause of death remains undetermined, keeping the case open for further investigation.
Hackman’s Life After Hollywood: A Quiet Retirement in Santa Fe
After retiring from acting in 2004 at the age of 74, Gene Hackman chose to step away from the spotlight, settling into a low-profile life in Santa Fe.
Unlike many Hollywood stars who announce their retirement with grand statements, Hackman’s decision was quiet and personal. He later explained that his departure from acting wasn’t due to a lack of offers but rather a concern for his health.
“I was getting great offers, but the roles were mostly doddering great-grandfathers,” Hackman admitted. A pivotal moment came when he underwent a stress test in New York. Doctors warned him about his heart condition, advising him to avoid stress.
Despite his retreat from Hollywood, Hackman remained active. He dedicated his time to personal projects, such as writing novels and renovating his Santa Fe home. A source close to the actor revealed in 2020 that even in his 90s, he enjoyed biking, yard work, and handyman projects.
Inside Hackman’s Santa Fe Retreat
Hackman and Arakawa’s Santa Fe home was more than just a place to live—it was a labor of love. Nestled on 12 acres of open land, the house offered sweeping views extending to the Colorado mountains.
Hackman, drawn to the region after filming multiple movies there, purchased the property and embarked on a major renovation to transform it into his ideal retreat.
Architect Stephen Samuelson, who collaborated on the project, recalled the home’s poor condition before the remodel. “The house was horrible,” he stated. “It was a 1950s block building that had sat empty and had deteriorated.”
Hackman and Arakawa sought an open design with high ceilings, French doors, and abundant natural light—features that deviated from traditional adobe-style homes in the area.
The transformation was extensive, with 90% of the original roof being removed and the interior being completely restructured. The final design blended pueblo, colonial New Mexico, and Spanish Baroque styles, creating a unique yet cozy atmosphere.
Hackman personally oversaw many details of the renovation. He selected finishes, mixed paint colors, and ensured that new ceiling beams were distressed to look aged. The couple filled their home with furnishings sourced from New York, Germany, and Los Angeles, crafting a space that reflected their shared tastes.
An Ongoing Investigation
While Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa spent their final years in the comfort of their secluded Santa Fe home, the circumstances of their deaths remain a mystery.
With no immediate evidence of foul play, investigators are working to uncover what led to the couple’s tragic end. Autopsy and toxicology reports will likely provide further clarity in the coming weeks.
