Photo credit: extratv.com

Gene Hackman Found Dead at 95 in New Mexico Home

Legendary actor Gene Hackman, aged 95, was discovered deceased at his residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico, alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, and their dog. The discovery occurred on a Wednesday, prompting investigations into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

A recent photograph of Hackman, taken nearly a year ago in March 2024, depicts him taking a solitary walk accompanied by Betsy in Santa Fe. In the image, a visibly frail Hackman is seen gripping Betsy’s arm while utilizing a cane. He is dressed in a blue plaid shirt, a vest, green cargo pants, and black sneakers, topped with a white cap. Betsy complements him in a button-down shirt and jeans, finished with brown shoes.

Hackman’s public appearances had diminished in recent years, with one notable sighting at the “Broadway Confidential” show on May 3, 2022, in New Mexico, where he took photographs with entertainers Seth Rudetsky and Ana Gastayer.

The Santa Fe New Mexican was the first to report on Hackman’s passing, and initial findings from authorities indicated a sense of unease surrounding the circumstances of their deaths. A search warrant obtained by “Extra” pointed to elements deemed “suspicious,” including an unsecured front door and an absence of any indications of a carbon monoxide leak.

The investigative document noted, “At this time; the manner and cause of death pertaining to Eugene ‘Gene’ Allen Hackman and Betsy Arakawa passing is unknown. Affiant believes that the circumstances surrounding the death of the two deceased individuals to be suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation. Among the observations made were a healthy dog running loose on the property, another healthy dog near the deceased female, while a deceased dog was found in a closet of the bathroom. Also noted was a moved heater, an opened pill bottle with pills scattered, and Hackman found in a separate room—without any signs pointing to a gas leak.”

Having begun his illustrious career in the film industry, Hackman was celebrated as one of the finest actors of the 20th century. Born in San Bernardino, California, in 1930, he earned two Academy Awards: one for Best Actor in “The French Connection” (1971) and another for Best Supporting Actor in “Unforgiven” (1992). His diverse body of work included notable performances in films such as “Mississippi Burning” (1988) and “The Royal Tenenbaums” (2001).

Hackman was previously married to Faye Maltese from 1956 until their divorce in 1986 and had three children. He subsequently married Betsy in 1991, and they enjoyed a life together until their untimely passing.

Source
extratv.com