Gene Hackman Found Dead at 95 in Santa Fe Home, Cause of Death Under Investigation

Gene Hackman, the renowned actor, was found dead at the age of 95 in his Santa Fe home alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, and one of their pet dogs.

The discovery was made on February 27, 2025, with initial investigations revealing no external trauma on the bodies. However, further examination indicated that Hackman's pacemaker had stopped functioning 10 days prior, leading authorities to suspect his death occurred on February 17, 2025.

The cause of death remains under investigation, with authorities ruling it "suspicious" despite no signs of foul play or carbon monoxide poisoning. Hackman's daughter, Elizabeth Jean, had initially suggested carbon monoxide poisoning as a possibility.

Hackman was a celebrated figure in Hollywood, starring in iconic films like The French Connection, The Conversation, and Superman. He received Academy Awards for The French Connection and Unforgiven, and retired from acting in 2001 after The Royal Tenenbaums.

The investigation into the deaths of Hackman, Arakawa, and their dog continues, with authorities seeking to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding their passing.