Gene Hackman and His Wife Found Dead Under Suspicious Circumstances—Investigation Continues

In a tragic turn of events, legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been found dead in their Santa Fe home under mysterious circumstances. According to Costa Rican authorities, high levels of carbon monoxide were detected in the family’s hotel room, leading investigators to suspect that the deaths may have been caused by poisoning.

The bodies of Hackman, 95, and his wife, along with their dog, were discovered by maintenance workers on February 26, 2025, after an alarming 911 call was placed by Jesse Kesler, a longtime contractor for the couple. The initial signs of decomposition observed on both bodies suggest that they had been dead for several days before being discovered.

Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya discussed the ongoing investigation, noting that the high levels of carbon monoxide found in the room could be linked to the tragic deaths. “Both bodies were found in a similar condition, which could point to a similar timeframe for their deaths,” Moya said, adding that authorities are working closely with the FBI to piece together the details.

The couple’s bodies were found in the same building, which is part of a three-structure property owned by the Estefans. While an initial theory suggested food poisoning or asphyxiation, carbon monoxide contamination is now being considered a more likely cause.

The family’s tragic loss has raised many questions, especially after a recent misstep in the investigation, where the dead dog was initially misidentified. This mistake has added to the confusion surrounding the case, but authorities continue to work toward a resolution.

Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, retired from acting after a long and successful career. His last role was in Welcome to Mooseport (2004), and he made his final on-screen appearance in 2022 in Top Gun: Maverick, reprising his role as the legendary “Iceman” from the original Top Gun.

His family, including his wife and children, are mourning his passing. Hackman’s legacy in Hollywood is undeniable, having starred in some of the most iconic films of the 70s, 80s, and 90s, including The French Connection, Unforgiven, and The Conversation.

The investigation into the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa is ongoing, and authorities are working hard to uncover what exactly happened inside their Santa Fe home. For now, the cause of death remains uncertain, though carbon monoxide poisoning is a leading theory. Fans and the public alike are waiting for more answers, as the loss of this Hollywood legend continues to reverberate through the entertainment world.