New details surrounding Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa’s deaths have come to light via a 911 call.
According to audio obtained by TMZ on Thursday, February 27, an unidentified male caretaker of the area was heard frantically pleading with a dispatcher to send someone to the couple’s home.
“No, they’re not moving,” he said when asked if the victims appeared to be alert. “Just send somebody out here real quick.”
When asked if the two adults were breathing, the caller told the dispatcher, “I have no idea. I’m not inside the house. It’s closed. It’s locked. I can’t go in, but I see she’s laying down” from the window.
Related: Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa’s Relationship Timeline
Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage Oscar winner Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were married for over 30 years before they were found dead on Wednesday, February 26. Hackman was first married to Faye Maltese from 1956 to 1986. The couple shared three children, Christopher, Elizabeth and Leslie. Maltese died in 2017. The Superman actor […]
The caller, who identified himself as a “caretaker for the subdivision” offered to meet first responders at the gate to help them get access to the house.
“I think we just found two [or] one deceased person inside a house,” the caller added before audibly holding back tears. “Damn.”
Us Weekly confirmed on Thursday that Hackman, 95, and his 64-year-old spouse were found dead one day earlier inside their shared Santa Fe, New Mexico house. Police told TMZ that Arakawa’s body was “in a state of decomposition” with a bloated face and mummification in her hands and feet.
Authorities also found the body of one of the couple’s dogs, a german shepherd, 10 to 15 feet away from Arakawa. Two other dogs were found alive and healthy inside the home, according to a police affidavit obtained by TMZ.
The couple had been married since 1991 and are survived by Hackman’s adult children, Christopher, Elizabeth and Leslie, from his first marriage to late ex-wife Faye Maltese.
Hackman’s rep also confirmed the Oscar winner’s death in a statement made on behalf of the family.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy,” the statement read. “He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”
Related: Gene Hackman and Wife’s Deaths Now Ruled ‘Suspicious’
Academy Award winner Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, died in February 2025 at the respective ages of 95 and 64. Us Weekly confirmed on February 27, 2025, that the actor and his spouse were found dead one day earlier inside their shared Santa Fe, New Mexico house. “It is with great sadness that […]
An official cause of death has yet to be determined.
“Foul play is not suspected as a factor in those deaths at this time, however, [the] exact cause of death has not been determined,” the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department noted in a statement to Us. “This is an active and ongoing investigation by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.”
While Hackman’s daughter Elizabeth told TMZ on Thursday that their family initially suspected he and Arakawa died from carbon monoxide poisoning, the fire department found no signs pointing to any leaks.
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