Mummification, Hackman’s wife was near a space heater upstairs with pills scattered

On February 26, 2025, the world awoke to shocking news from TMZ and People Magazine: Gene Hackman, the iconic actor known for films like The French Connection, The Royal Tenenbaums, and Hoosiers, was found dead alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their German Shepherd in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home.

The discovery has left fans, family, and authorities puzzled, with the term “mummification” dominating headlines.

At 95 years old, Gene Hackman—often remembered as Lex Luthor in Superman or Norman Dale in Hoosiers—and Betsy, 64, appeared to have been deceased for weeks, their bodies partially mummified. But what happened to Gene Hackman and his wife? How did this Hollywood legend and his family meet such an enigmatic end?

What is Mummification?

Mummification refers to the preservation of a body after death, typically through drying out tissues in specific environmental conditions. Unlike the deliberate mummification practices of ancient Egypt, natural mummification can occur in dry, warm, and well-ventilated spaces—like the arid climate of New Mexico.

When Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were found, reports noted their bodies showed signs of mummification: Betsy’s face was bloated yet her limbs were shriveled, while Gene’s body was similarly preserved. Experts suggest this process could take weeks to months, hinting that the couple may have died well before their discovery.

Gene Hackman’s house in Santa Fe, a sprawling retreat in the Hyde Park area, became the center of this tragedy. A maintenance worker, who hadn’t seen the couple for two weeks, entered the property on February 26 and made the grim discovery.

Gene, a two-time Oscar winner for The French Connection and Unforgiven, was found in a mudroom near the kitchen, a cane and sunglasses beside him—items reflective of his later years.

Betsy Arakawa, a talented pianist and Hackman’s second wife, lay upstairs in a bathroom near a space heater, with scattered pills nearby. Their dog, one of three in the home, was also dead, while two others survived, adding to the mystery.

The Santa Fe News reported that the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office labeled the deaths “suspicious.” No signs of forced entry, gas leaks, or foul play were evident, ruling out theories of violence or external interference.

Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean, speculated to TMZ about carbon monoxide poisoning—a silent killer—but tests by the fire department found no evidence of it in Gene Hackman’s home.

How Did Gene Hackman and His Wife Die?

The question lingers: How did Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa die? With an autopsy and toxicology report still pending as of February 28, 2025, speculation abounds. The presence of pills near Betsy has fueled theories of an overdose or suicide pact, though no note was found.

The dry New Mexico climate likely contributed to the mummified state of their bodies, but the cause of death remains elusive. Could it have been natural causes, a medical emergency, or something more sinister? Fans of Hackman’s films like The Conversation—directed by Francis Ford Coppola—and The Firm might imagine a conspiracy, but authorities have yet to uncover evidence supporting such claims.

Born on January 30, 1930, Gene Hackman was 95 when he died, leaving behind a legacy etched in cinematic history. His filmography, detailed on IMDb, spans classics like Bonnie and Clyde, The Birdcage, and Foul Play.

His portrayal of Lex Luthor in Superman (1978) remains iconic, while his role in The Royal Tenenbaums showcased his versatility. Hackman’s net worth in 2025 was estimated at $80 million, a testament to his success over a 60-year career.

Married to his first wife, Faye Maltese, with whom he had three children—including son Christopher Allen Hackman—he later found love with Betsy Arakawa in 1991.

Hackman retired from acting in 2004 after Welcome to Mooseport, retreating to his Santa Fe home to enjoy a quiet life. His last photo, a rare glimpse shared online, showed an aging but content man—a stark contrast to the intense characters he played in The French Connection or Hoosiers.

Betsy, his partner of over three decades, was 64 (or possibly 63, per conflicting reports) at the time of her death, her life intertwined with Gene’s in their private New Mexico haven.

The emotional 911 call, as reported by TMZ, captured the maintenance worker’s distress upon finding Gene Hackman and his wife. “They’re not moving… I don’t know what happened,” the caller stammered, a haunting echo of the confusion surrounding their deaths.

Fans flooded social media, mourning the loss of a legend whose best movies—like The French Connection, The Conversation, and The Royal Tenenbaums—defined generations. “Gene Hackman dead at 95” trended alongside “celebrity deaths 2025,” marking a somber moment in Hollywood.

Theories and Unanswered Questions

Was Gene Hackman really dead for weeks before being found? The mummified state of the bodies suggests so, but why did no one check on them sooner? Some point to the couple’s reclusive nature, while others question if health issues played a role—Hackman had faced heart problems in the past.

The absence of gas or carbon monoxide poisoning leaves the pill theory prominent, yet inconclusive without the autopsy results. Could this be a tragic accident, or did Gene Hackman and Betsy choose their fate?

Gene Hackman’s death, alongside Betsy Arakawa and their dog, closes a chapter on a remarkable life. From his breakout role in Bonnie and Clyde to his nuanced performance in The Royal Tenenbaums, Hackman’s movies list in order tells a story of grit and genius.

His Santa Fe home, once a sanctuary, now stands as a silent witness to an unresolved mystery. As the world awaits answers, one thing is certain: Gene Hackman—actor, husband, and Hollywood titan—will be remembered not just for how he died, but for how he lived.