Gene Hackman spent his later years far from the public eye, settling into a quiet life in Santa Fe. The sprawling home he meticulously redesigned became his sanctuary, surrounded by miles of open land. It was meant to be a peaceful retreat, but now, it has become the focus of an investigation following a grim discovery.
The Hollywood legend and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead inside their secluded residence, along with one of their dogs. They had lived there for years, choosing privacy over the limelight. But the home that once provided solace has now become the center of an ongoing inquiry. As authorities search for answers, a single image offers a rare glimpse into the place where they spent their final days.
On the afternoon of February 26, 2025, a maintenance worker arrived at Hackman’s home for routine work. As he approached the house, he noticed the front door was ajar. Through a window, he saw a woman lying motionless on the floor. Unable to enter, he immediately called 911. When authorities arrived, they found Hackman, 95, in the entryway and Arakawa, 63, in the bathroom. A space heater was placed near Arakawa’s head, while a cane lay close to Hackman’s body.
A German shepherd was found dead inside a closet kennel, while two other dogs were discovered alive—one inside the home and the other outside. Investigators noted no signs of forced entry, struggle, or theft. Sheriff Adan Mendoza later confirmed, “There was no indication of a struggle. There was no indication of anything that was missing from the home or disturbed that would suggest a crime had occurred.”
The New Mexico Gas Company conducted an inspection and found no leaks, while the Fire Department tested for carbon monoxide, ruling out poisoning as an immediate cause. Despite these findings, authorities have not ruled out any possibilities. Autopsy and toxicology results remain pending as investigators work to determine what transpired within the Santa Fe residence.
For Hackman, Santa Fe was a place of retreat. After a five-decade career, he retired in 2004 at the age of 74, walking away from acting without fanfare or public announcements. It wasn’t a loss of passion that drove his decision, but a matter of health. He later revealed that a stress test in New York had been a turning point, with doctors advising him to avoid undue strain on his heart. Taking their warnings seriously, he never returned to acting. Instead, he embraced a life away from Hollywood, spending his days writing novels and working on his home.
Hackman’s Santa Fe property, spanning 12 acres, was a product of his own vision. Drawn to the region after filming several movies there, he purchased the home and undertook extensive renovations. Architect Stephen Samuelson recalled its condition before the remodel, describing it as “a 1950s block building that had sat empty and deteriorated.” Hackman and Arakawa envisioned a more open design, integrating high ceilings, French doors, and abundant natural light—departing from traditional adobe styles.
To achieve this transformation, they removed 90 percent of the roof and restructured the interior to create a more expansive layout. The final design blended pueblo, colonial New Mexico, and Spanish Baroque styles. Hackman personally oversaw every detail, from selecting finishes to mixing paint colors himself. Even in retirement, he remained deeply involved in maintaining and improving the home.
While Hackman was dedicated to perfecting his home, he wasn’t alone in shaping their life in Santa Fe. Arakawa played an active role, supporting his vision while ensuring their private world remained just that—private. The two first met in the early 1980s at a fitness center where Arakawa worked part-time. At the time, Hackman was still married to his first wife, Faye Maltese, though their marriage was nearing its end. By 1984, he and Arakawa had begun dating, and she moved into his Santa Fe home before his divorce was finalized in 1986. They married in 1991 and remained together for over three decades.
Though Hackman and Arakawa never had children together, he remained close to his three children from his first marriage: Leslie Anne, Elizabeth Jean, and Christopher Allen. The couple prioritized privacy, focusing on their life together away from Hollywood’s spotlight. Arakawa played an integral part in managing their home projects and maintaining their secluded lifestyle.
Despite his withdrawal from public life, Hackman’s legacy in film and literature remained significant. He was one of the most respected actors of his generation, known for his ability to bring complex characters to life. His breakthrough came in 1967 with “Bonnie and Clyde,” leading to acclaimed roles in films like “Hoosiers” and “Superman.” He won two Academy Awards—Best Actor for “The French Connection” (1971) and Best Supporting Actor for “Unforgiven” (1992)—along with four Golden Globes.
His final Hollywood appearance came in the 2004 film “Welcome to Mooseport.” Over his decades-long career, he starred in more than 90 films and television projects. In retirement, he pursued a second passion—writing—penning several novels, including historical fiction and thrillers.
Hackman’s rare public appearances in his later years only added to the intrigue surrounding him. His last known sighting was in March 2024, when he was seen out with Arakawa. Dressed in a plaid button-down shirt and gray vest, he used a cane for support as she assisted him. Fans expressed a mixture of shock and admiration at seeing him after so many years.
Reactions ranged from disbelief—“That doesn’t look like him one bit”—to gratitude—“Thank goodness he’s still living.” Others remarked on his resilience, noting that, at 94, he was still mobile and independent. Some comments focused on the natural aging process, while others reflected on his contributions to cinema and storytelling.
Now, with his unexpected passing, fans are left reflecting on both his legendary career and the quiet life he chose after Hollywood. As investigators work to determine what happened inside his Santa Fe home, his impact—both on screen and in the lives of those who admired him—remains undeniable.