Tragedy struck in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their home. The couple's unexpected demise has shocked fans and family.
According to the Daily Mail, The suspected cause of death is carbon monoxide poisoning, though investigations continue.
The news of their discovery broke after authorities were alerted to the scene on Wednesday. Hackman was found in the mudroom of their residence, whereas Arakawa lay in the bathroom, surrounded by pills.
The couple, leading a quiet life away from the public eye since Hackman's retirement in 2004, had been seen recently in a rare public outing. Their last known appearance together was at Pappadeaux's Seafood Kitchen in Santa Fe, marking their first public sighting together since the 2003 Golden Globe Awards.
Since moving to New Mexico, Hackman had lived a reclusive life, far removed from his Hollywood days. He had expressed fondness for simpler joys, such as watching DVDs and enjoying weekly comedy marathons.
Gene Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner for his roles in "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven," was 95 years old. Arakawa, 64, was a classically trained pianist and had been Hackman's partner for nearly three decades.
Elizabeth Jean Hackman, Gene's daughter, mentioned in a statement to TMZ about the potential cause. “While we are not sure of the couple's cause of death, they think it could be due to inhaling toxic fumes,” she said, pointing to the possibility of a tragic accident within the home.
Initial reports from local police did not suggest foul play, but the unusual circumstances, particularly the presence of pills found near Arakawa, and Hackman's location in the house, prompted further investigation. Authorities have launched a full inquiry into the cause of their deaths.
This incident has cast a somber shadow over the community and is especially poignant with the Oscar ceremony approaching, an event forever linked with Hackman's storied career.
Retiring from the silver screen in 2004, Hackman had embraced a life of solitude in New Mexico, a stark contrast to his storied acting career. His retirement was spent largely out of the public’s gaze, enjoying what he described in a 2020 interview with Empire as low-budget films and comedy shows.
“We like simple stories that some of the little low-budget films manage to produce. Friday night is set aside for a Comedy Channel marathon, with particular attention paid to Eddie Izzard. The speed of thought is amazing,” Hackman had said, expressing his admiration for the comedian.
The days leading up to their deaths suggest nothing out of the ordinary for the couple, who had seemingly adjusted well to their quiet life in Santa Fe after decades in the spotlight.
The investigation into the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa is expected to include toxicology reports and further examination of the scene. The community and fans worldwide are hoping for answers regarding this unexpected loss.
As the investigation unfolds, the film community and public alike recall Hackman’s impactful contributions to cinema, reflecting on his roles that have left an indelible mark on Hollywood.
The tragic end to Gene Hackman's and Betsy Arakawa's lives has prompted an outpouring of tributes and condolences from around the globe, underscoring the breadth of Hackman's influence and the depth of the couple's integration into the fabric of Santa Fe’s community.
