Gene Hackman spent his later years away from the public eye, embracing a quieter life in Santa Fe. He meticulously redesigned his sprawling home, transforming it into a sanctuary surrounded by vast, open land. What was meant to be a peaceful retreat has now become the focus of an investigation following a tragic discovery.
Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead inside their secluded home, along with one of their dogs. They had chosen privacy over fame, living in isolation for years. Now, the home that once offered tranquility has become the center of an ongoing investigation. As authorities work to uncover the truth, a single image provides a rare glimpse into the place where they spent their final moments.
On February 26, 2025, a maintenance worker arrived at Hackman’s residence for routine work. As he approached the house, he noticed the front door was ajar. Peering through a window, he saw a woman lying motionless on the floor. Unable to enter, he quickly 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 Hackman’s cane was near his body.
A German shepherd was found dead in a closet kennel, while two other dogs were discovered alive—one inside the home, and the other outside. Investigators found no signs of forced entry, struggle, or theft. Sheriff Adan Mendoza later stated, “There was no indication of a struggle. There was no indication of anything 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 a potential cause. Despite these findings, authorities have not ruled out other possibilities. Autopsy and toxicology results are still pending as investigators work to determine what happened inside the Santa Fe home.
For Hackman, Santa Fe had been a place of retreat. After a five-decade career, he retired in 2004 at the age of 74, leaving acting quietly without any public announcement. His decision was not driven by a loss of passion, but rather concerns for his health. He later revealed that a stress test in New York had been a turning point, with doctors advising him to avoid putting strain on his heart. Heeding their warnings, he never returned to acting. Instead, he focused on a quieter life, writing novels and working on his home.
Hackman’s Santa Fe property, spanning 12 acres, was a product of his vision. After filming several movies in the region, 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, incorporating high ceilings, French doors, and an abundance of natural light—moving away 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 combined elements of pueblo, colonial New Mexico, and Spanish Baroque styles. Hackman personally oversaw every detail, from selecting finishes to mixing paint colors. Even in retirement, he remained deeply involved in improving and maintaining the home.
While Hackman was dedicated to perfecting his home, he was not alone in shaping their life in Santa Fe. Arakawa played an active role, supporting his vision and ensuring their private life remained just that—private. The two 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 began dating, and she moved into his Santa Fe home before his divorce was finalized in 1986. They married in 1991 and spent more than three decades together.
Though Hackman and Arakawa never had children of their own, he remained close to his three children from his first marriage: Leslie Anne, Elizabeth Jean, and Christopher Allen. The couple valued their privacy, focusing on their life together away from the spotlight. Arakawa played an integral part in managing their home projects and maintaining their secluded lifestyle.
Despite stepping away from public life, Hackman’s legacy in both film and literature remained significant. One of the most respected actors of his generation, he was known for his ability to portray complex characters. His breakthrough came in 1967 with Bonnie and Clyde, followed by acclaimed roles in Hoosiers and Superman. Hackman 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 was in 2004’s Welcome to Mooseport. Over his career, he starred in more than 90 films and television projects. In retirement, he turned to writing, publishing several novels, including historical fiction and thrillers.