Gene Hackman (95), and his wife, Betsy Arakawa (65), were found dead on 26 February 2025, in their house along with their dog. Arakawa was a classic pianist and his second wife. Read this article further to know about the legendary actor’s death, autopsy report findings, when and where they were found dead, and how Hackman’s family reacted to the tragedy.
Gene Hackman & Betsy Arakawa’s Cause Of Death
There is still no statement given by the officials investigating the case. It is still unclear how Hackman and his wife Arakam died as no signs of foul play are evident, no sign of gas leaking and autopsy found no external trauma to both of them. Tests have been requested for gas leakage, but the results are still pending.
A caretaker of the subdivision called 911 and reported bodies. He said he couldn’t go inside because the door was locked, and he saw the couple through the window, they were not moving. County deputies then reported that during the investigation, there were no signs of forced entry.
When the sheriff’s arrived, they found Arakawa’s body on the bathroom floor. A space heater was near her head, and an open bottle of prescribed pills on the counter-top. Then they found their German Shepherd dog dead in a bathroom closet. Two other dogs were found alive on the property. Deputies found Hackman’s body in the house’s mudroom, and deputies believed he could have suddenly fallen. Both bodies showed “obvious signs of death”, and even Arakawa’s body had shown signs of decomposition.
Gene Hackman’s Life & Career
Eugene Allen Hackman was born on 30 January 1930 in San Bernardino, California, U.S. He was an American actor. Before pursuing his acting career, he was a field-radio operator in the military and served around four years. Then in 1956, he joined the Pasadena Playhouse in California and started his acting career. An outstanding career that lasted over forty decades. He received two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, and four Golden Globe Awards. He won Academy Awards for his role as New York cop Popeye Doyle in “The French Connection” in 1971. Then he won a second Academy Award for his performance as Bill Daggett, in “Unforgiven” in 1974. After starring in Welcome to Mooseport in 2004, he retired from acting.
Gene Hackman’s Most Iconic Roles
The French Connection (1971)
His role in the movie has earned him an Oscar. His character as a tough and determined Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in pursuit of a drug trafficker, his intense, no-nonsense acting skills, became an icon in the cinema history. This movie is considered to be one of the best thrillers, because of Hackman’s compelling performance.
Superman (1978)
In Superman, he took the classic role of Lex Luthor, Superman’s rival. He portrayed himself as a villain with his impeccable skills, which made Luthor one of the most entertaining opponents in the history of superhero movies. His character then became an important part of Superman Films and pop culture.
Unforgiven (1992)
He received his second Oscar for his acting in “Unforgiven,” for the best supporting actor. He portrayed himself as a cruel and dishonest sheriff, Bill Daggett. His acting skills in the movie have put a spark to his cruel and vulnerable role. His excellent work in “Unforgiven” has marked a new turning point for Westerns, helping to discover a new genre.
Other Notable Roles
Gene Hackman’s career lasted decades, and he brought his talent to remarkable extents. He portrayed himself as an unwavering FBI agent in “Mississippi Burning (1988)” who investigated the murders, and earned a name and fame. Then in “Hoosiers(1986),” he performed as a high school basketball coach who led a small-town to victory. Then, to exhibit his ability to bring depth and humor to complex characters, he played the estranged father of a dysfunctional family in “Tenenbaums(2001).”
Autopsy Report Findings
According to autopsy reports, dead bodies were found after 9 days of their deaths. Hackman had a pacemaker, which recorded last activity on February 17, 2025. Possible chances are he might have a cardiac arrest caused by an abnormal pulse rate. He was found collapsed in the mudroom as his body might have fallen suddenly after cardiac arrest.
On the other hand, his wife, who was found in a bathroom with the medicines. Reports say the medications are for thyroid, blood-pressure, and Tylenol. In theory, she might have rushed to get medicines for Hackman to help him, and could have stuck her head, causing an internal injury. Alternatively, she might be having severe heart disease and the emotional distress could have led to a cardiac arrest causing a sudden death.
About their deceased dog, it was puzzling initially, but he was captured in a kennel and unable to escape, and might have died of dehydration and lack of water, and couldn’t free himself when the couple died.
Conclusion
In the end, the investigation is still in progress. For now, as per the affidavits, no signs of force entry and any trauma have been seen in the autopsy reports. Their families were still in grief for the sad demise of their elders. Gene Hackman was a legendary actor and will always be remembered for his acting skills and as a true inspiration.
