How did Gene Hackman, his wife and dog die? What we know about their cause of death

6 March 2025, 12:04

How did the Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy and their dog die? Picture: Getty

By Alice Dear

Following the shocking news of the death of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, as well as their pet dog, many people have been left questioning how they died.

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Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday February 26 with their dog also found deceased at the home.

Following the shocking news of the Hollywood star's death and his pianist wife, many people have been left questioning what happened to the couple, how this tragedy occurred and what the cause of death is for both Gene and Betsy, as well as their dog.

In a statement released by the Santa Fe County Sheriff, the police said they "do not believe that foul play was a factor," however added that they are "in the middle of a preliminary death investigation". The mystery continues, however, as it was recently revealed that two other dogs in the residence survived.

Read more: Inside Gene Hackman's family life from first wife to children

While many people are speculating over Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's cause of death online, the investigation results are yet to be shared. Here's what we know so far.

Actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have died. Picture: Getty

What was Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's cause of death?

Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa's causes of death, as well as the cause of death of their dog, is yet to be revealed by authorities.

We have had an update from Santa Fe fire chief Brian Moya, revealing that he believes Gene and Betsy died within a "similar timeframe".

Speaking to Fox News, Moya revealed: "Just because both bodies were in similar ways where we, as experts, sad to say that we know a lot about how people die and how long people are dead for – both bodies are in a similar manner that it could be a similar timeframe."

While Gene's daughter Elizabeth told TMZ she thinks their death could be due to inhaling toxic fumes, the New Mexico Gas Company confirmed “no significant findings” in the house. Although they did find a "minuscule leak" the sheriff office explained: "Those results are not believed to be a factor in the deaths of Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa or their dog."

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were found dead in February. Picture: Getty

Following the discovery of the deceased, the Santa Fe County Sheriff released a statement which reads: "We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail."

They added: "This is an active investigation - however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor."

Hackman and his wife appeared to have been dead for "quite a while" when the couple and their dog were found dead on Wednesday afternoon (February 26th), police have said.

He was discovered in a side room near the kitchen of the house, while Betsy was found in a bathroom.

In a news conference, Sheriff Adan Mendoza said: "It sounds like they had been deceased for quite a while, and I don't want to guess in reference to how long that was."

He added: "There was no immediate sign of foul play. Haven't ruled that out yet. This is an investigation, so we're keeping everything on the table."

While it was reported there were no signs of injury, police have deemed the deaths "suspicious enough" to investigate and have not ruled out foul play.

There was a portable heater near Betsy's head, which the detective said could have been brought down if she had suddenly fallen.

Meanwhile, a prescription bottle and scattered pills were found on the bathroom counter near to her body. The couple's dog was found dead in a bathroom closet near to Betsy.

The detective also suspected that Hackman had fallen suddenly.

Gene Hackman won an Oscar in 1993 alongside his co-star Clint Eastwood. Picture: Getty

Who was Gene Hackman?

Gene Hackman was an American actor who was considered one of the best in the industry by many. He was born on January 30, 1930 in San Bernardino, California, to Lydia and Eugene Hackman.

Deciding he wanted to be an actor at the age of just 10, Gene went on to have a stellar career in acting spanning over 60 years, winning two Academy Awards, two BAFTAs, four Golden Globes and a Screen Actors Guild Award during this time.

Hackman won Oscars for 'Best Actor' for his role of Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in The French Connection (1971) and 'Best Supporting Actor' for playing Little Bill Daggett in Unforgiven (1992).

Gene welcomed three children with his first wife, Faye Maltese, who died in 2017. Together they had Christopher Allen Hackman, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, Leslie Anne Hackman.

The actor married his second wife, Betsy, in 1991. They lived a quiet life in Santa Fe far from the spotlight of Hollywood during their final years.