The world is grieving the loss of the legendary actor Gene Hackman, who was found dead in his Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on Wednesday. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog were also discovered deceased alongside him. Hackman, who had recently celebrated his 95th birthday, was renowned for his iconic Hollywood performances, making his sudden passing all the more shocking.
Authorities responded to a welfare check after a concerned neighbor reached out, leading to the heartbreaking discovery. While there were no obvious signs of foul play, the cause of death is still under investigation.
Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, shared a possible explanation for the tragedy when speaking to TMZ, suggesting that carbon monoxide poisoning might be the cause. She pointed out that while their house, built in 2000, was fairly modern, they were unsure if there had been any gas leaks or recent issues with the heating system. Following the discovery, gas company and fire department personnel arrived to ensure there were no lingering toxic fumes.
Hackman’s death is especially poignant as he had lived a quiet, private life in retirement. After stepping away from Hollywood in 2004, he and his wife settled in New Mexico, where he spent his time painting. Despite his retreat from the spotlight, Hackman’s cinematic legacy remained strong. He appeared in over 70 films, with The French Connection often cited as his favorite role.
In a 2009 interview, Hackman explained that his decision to leave acting was driven by health concerns. He recalled a stress test in New York that made him realize he needed to avoid further strain. “The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a stress test,” he told Empire. “The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress.”
Though Elizabeth did not directly address her father’s health, she did mention a rare public appearance last March, where Hackman was seen using a cane and being supported by Betsy. His frail appearance at the time raised concerns about his well-being.
Hackman and Arakawa, who had been married since 1991, shared over three decades of love and companionship. Their sudden passing has left many questions unanswered, and the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Adan Mendoza, is continuing the investigation. While no foul play is suspected, authorities are thoroughly examining all possibilities.
Fans and fellow actors have flooded social media to mourn the loss and honor Hackman’s extraordinary career. From his unforgettable portrayal of Popeye Doyle in The French Connection to his powerful performances in Unforgiven and The Conversation, Hackman’s influence on cinema is immeasurable.
As the investigation continues, the Hackman family is focused on finding answers to this devastating tragedy.
