Fact Check: Did FBI find secret tunnel filled with bodies under Gene Hackman’s home?

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: The tragic deaths of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, whose bodies were discovered on February 26, shocked the entire world.

The authorities revealed following a probe on March 7 that while Arakawa died around February 11, Hackman was alive for another week (as found from his pacemaker recording) before breathing his last around February 18, according to Daily Mail.

Amid all this, a rumor recently surfaced online claiming that the FBI discovered a secret tunnel under Gene Hackman's home where 701 bodies were found. But is there any truth to this? Let us find out below.

Claim: Secret tunnel filled with bodies found under Gene Hackman's home

In March, a rumor circulated online claiming that the FBI was investigating a hidden tunnel found beneath Gene Hackman's home in Santa Fe, New Mexico shortly after maintenance workers found the actor and his pianist wife dead inside the house.

Moreover, the claim purported that 701 bodies were found in the alleged tunnel. 

Interestingly, the claim seems to have originated from a YouTube video posted by a channel named The Ultimate Discovery. The video, which was uploaded on March 9, has so far garnered more than 800,000 views.

The rumor quickly made its way across various social media platforms such as X, TikTok, and Threads.

False: No evidence to support the claim in viral video

The claims made in the viral YouTube video are false as there is no evidence to back the claim, according to Snopes.

Interestingly, the YouTube channel The Ultimate Discovery describes itself as a "reliable source for totally engaging and transformative content, never ending, aw-inspiring discovery, and binge-worthy entertainment".

However, the contents on its page are quite similar to tabloid magazines that focus on fantastical embellishments of news stories presented as facts, per Snopes.

The description of the viral video reads, "When the FBI stormed legendary actor Gene Hackman's four million dollar mansion, they expected a routine raid—but what they found sent shockwaves through Hollywood. Hidden beneath his lavish estate was a secret tunnel, shrouded in mystery."

It continued, "But here's where things get even darker—Hackman and his wife were later found. Was it just a heartbreaking tragedy, or was something far more sinister at play? What secrets did that tunnel hold, and who wanted them buried forever? Join us as we dive deep into this chilling mystery and uncover the truth behind one of Hollywood's most shocking cases."

However, the description ended with a disclaimer that read, "The content presented in our videos is intended solely for entertainment purposes. While we may draw upon facts, rumors, and fiction, viewers should not interpret any part of the content as factual or definitive information. Please enjoy responsibly."

Proof: Viral YouTube video contains wrong information

The YouTube video claimed that Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's death was announced on February 26, 2025, which is not true. As per reports, the couple's remains were found that day but information was not made public until the following day, according to Snopes.

Furthermore, details of the nature of their deaths were not revealed until a press conference on March 7.

New Mexico's chief medical examiner, Dr Heather Jarrell, said during the news conference, "It is unprecedented for the Office of the Medical Investigator to make public statements about death investigations. However, the circumstances surrounding these two deaths require accurate dissemination of important information."

Jarrell said that Arakawa died of the rare hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which infects humans through contact with afflicted rodents.

Hackman, 95, died from severe heart disease and his Alzheimer's disease played "a significant contributory factor".

Interestingly, there was no mention of any secret tunnel during the news conference.