Distressing 911 call sheds light on discovery of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa's bodies
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Disturbing new details have emerged about the tragic deaths of Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 64.
A newly released 911 call sheds light on the moment their bodies were discovered inside their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home.
911 caller who discovered Gene Hackman, wife dead was shocked and shaken https://t.co/VZwhzTEqUb pic.twitter.com/O2WnYbhpk3
— New York Post (@nypost) February 28, 2025
Inside the distressing 911 call about Gene Hackman's death
In the distressing call, a frantic male caller, whose identity was redacted, can be heard telling the dispatcher that he found two unresponsive bodies at Gene Hackman’s $3.3 million home compound.
Overcome with emotion, he repeatedly exclaimed “Damn” while sniffing back tears, according to TMZ.
The distressed worker, whose name has been redacted, is heard pleading with a dispatcher for first responders to be sent to the couple's Santa Fe home.
He told the operator that he “found two or one deceased person[s] inside a house.” “Please send somebody really quick,” he begged.
The caller didn’t seem to have a personal connection to Hackman and Arakawa, 64, as he could not tell the dispatcher any personal details about them. “[It’s] a female and a male probably. I don’t know, sir. Just send somebody up here really quick.”
When asked if they were “awake” or “breathing”, the caller says he had “no idea” because he “was not inside the house” with them. “[The house] is closed. It’s locked. I can’t go in,” he said. “But I see that she is lying down on the floor from the window.”
He also insisted they were not “awake” or “alert” and saw no signs of movement. “No, dude, they’re not moving!” he said while growing increasingly concerned. “Just send somebody out here really quick!”
Partially-mummified bodies of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa discovered inside home
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's decomposed and partially-mummified remains were found in two separate rooms of their house.
The arid New Mexico climate is believed to have played a role in preserving their skin and tissue.
Investigators fear they may have been dead for up to two weeks before being found, according to Daily Mail.
Hackman’s body was discovered in the mud room adjacent to the kitchen with his sunglasses and cane on the floor nearby, leading to speculation that he may have died from a fall.
Meanwhile, Arakawa was found in the couple’s bathroom with an open bottle of prescription pills partially spilled on the counter.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's pet dog was also discovered dead
During the 911 call, the dispatcher asked for details about the “patients,” but the caller was unable to provide their ages or genders.
He stood outside, looking through a window, as he made the call and reported no signs of movement inside the home.
Adding to the tragedy, one of the couple’s three pet dogs, a German Shepherd, was found dead inside a closet near the bathroom where Arakawa was found.
However, their two other dogs survived.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's autopsy results expected in weeks
Authorities have stated that an autopsy could take four to six weeks to determine the official cause of death.
Initial reports suggested the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning, an idea echoed by Gene Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Hackman.
However, a firefighter who arrived at the scene later confirmed there were no signs of a gas leak.
Despite initial suspicions, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office has ruled out foul play.
Gene Hackman's illustrious career
Gene Hackman was one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, known for his gritty performances and commanding screen presence.
He won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1972 for his portrayal of a hard-nosed detective in 'The French Connection.'
He later secured the Best Supporting Actor award at the Oscars for the 1992 Western classic 'Unforgiven'.
His filmography includes classics such as 'Bonnie and Clyde', 'The Poseidon Adventure', 'Superman', 'Mississippi Burning', 'Postcards from the Edge', 'The Firm', 'Get Shorty', 'The Birdcage', and 'The Royal Tenenbaums'.
After a prolific career spanning six decades, Hackman retired from acting following the release of 'Welcome to Mooseport' in 2004.
He had spent his final years living a quiet life in Santa Fe, where he had resided since the 1980s.
