Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26, 2025, under suspicious circumstances. Their neighbor discovered the couple in separate rooms, with no signs of forced entry or external trauma. Authorities are investigating, with toxicology tests pending. Sheriff Adan Mendoza described the situation as “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.”

Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, were seen dining in California after the tragedy, drawing mixed reactions online. Some criticized their appearance, while others defended their way of grieving. One commenter remarked, “They look very happy… why?!” while another added, “People grieve differently.”

Leslie mentioned her father was in excellent health, practicing yoga and Pilates regularly. She speculated a carbon monoxide leak might be involved, though authorities found no immediate evidence.

Gene Hackman, known for roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven, was celebrated for his acting career, earning two Academy Awards. Director Francis Ford Coppola called him “a great artist… inspiring and magnificent in his work.”

The family expressed their devastation, saying, “To us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”