911 call from Gene Hackman’s final moments released

Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on Wednesday. The cause of their deaths remains under investigation, though authorities have stated that foul play is not suspected.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were discovered after a caretaker placed a 911 call just before 2 p.m. Law enforcement officers found no signs of forced entry or external trauma on their bodies.

Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, along with his granddaughter Annie, expressed their grief in a statement to People Magazine:

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy. 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.”

According to police reports, Arakawa’s body was found inside the bathroom, near an open bottle of prescription pills. A space heater was positioned close to her head, and one of the couple’s dogs was found dead in a nearby closet. Hackman’s body was located near the kitchen, with investigators suggesting he may have collapsed suddenly. Two other dogs were found alive inside the house, and the front door was left open.

Authorities are awaiting toxicology and autopsy results to determine the official cause of death. While there was no clear evidence of carbon monoxide poisoning, Hackman’s daughter, Leslie, told Daily Mail that the family is not ruling it out.

“Despite his age, he was in very good physical condition,” Leslie shared. “He liked to do Pilates and yoga several times a week. There was no indication that anything was wrong.”

911 audio reveals emotional distress

CNN obtained the 911 call placed by the couple’s caretaker, who sounded distressed as he described seeing two unconscious bodies through a window.

“No, dude, they’re not moving. Just send somebody out here really quick,” the caller pleaded.

The sheriff’s office has classified the case as an “open investigation,” with a search warrant being issued to further examine the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

A Hollywood icon’s legacy

Born in San Bernardino, California, in 1930, Gene Hackman rose from humble beginnings to become one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors. After serving in the U.S. Marines, he pursued acting, studying at the Pasadena Playhouse alongside future star Dustin Hoffman.

Hackman’s breakout role came in Bonnie & Clyde (1967), earning him his first Academy Award nomination. He won his first Oscar for The French Connection (1971) and another for Unforgiven (1992). Over the decades, he starred in classics like Hoosiers, The Royal Tenenbaums, and Mississippi Burning, cementing his place as a Hollywood great.

In 2004, Hackman retired from acting after his final film, Welcome to Mooseport. He later focused on writing, publishing historical novels.

He was previously married to Faye Maltese, with whom he had three children, before marrying classical pianist Betsy Arakawa in 1991. Their marriage lasted over three decades until their passing.

Hollywood mourns the loss of Gene Hackman

Following the tragic news, friends and colleagues paid tribute to Hackman. Clint Eastwood, who directed Unforgiven, called him a “dear friend” and praised his acting talent:

“There was no finer actor than Gene. Intense and instinctive. Never a false note. He was also a dear friend whom I will miss very much.”

Morgan Freeman, who co-starred with Hackman in Unforgiven and Under Suspicion, honored him on Instagram:

“One of the personal highlights of my career was bringing Under Suspicion to life with the incredibly gifted Gene Hackman. And of course… Unforgiven. Rest in peace, my friend.”

As Hollywood and fans worldwide mourn the loss of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, their remarkable contributions to film and music will continue to inspire generations.

Rest in peace, Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.