It was a heartbreaking discovery that sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond. On February 26, 2025, Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home. The tragic scene also included the loss of one of their dogs, while two others survived. As authorities investigated, details emerged about the final days of the couple and the legal questions surrounding Hackman’s multimillion-dollar estate.
The legendary actor, known for his towering performances in films like The French Connection and Unforgiven, left behind an estate valued at approximately $80 million. His vast fortune, accumulated through decades of Hollywood success and literary endeavors, included a $3.8 million Santa Fe residence and numerous other assets. As legal proceedings began, discussions about how his wealth would be distributed intensified, particularly concerning his three children from his first marriage to Faye Maltese: Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie.
Online debates erupted, with many questioning whether Hackman’s children deserved an inheritance. Some critics pointed to the apparent lack of involvement in their father’s later years. Social media users weighed in, with one person writing, “I hope that fortune goes to anybody but his children! This man was 95 with dementia, and you don’t check in on him??” Others echoed similar sentiments, arguing that the children had been absent from Hackman’s life but would surely appear to claim his fortune.
Public speculation was fueled by the legal intricacies surrounding inheritance law in New Mexico. Under state law, if a couple passes away within 120 hours of each other, their deaths are considered simultaneous, which could impact who inherits the estate. Since Hackman survived Arakawa by a week, the distribution of his assets would follow the terms outlined in his legal documents. Experts believe that, given his wealth and legal counsel, he likely had a will or trust in place.
Legal professionals weighed in on the matter, noting that beneficiaries of such estates can be children, friends, charities, or even unexpected recipients. Attorney John Budagher remarked, “It’s your money. You’re allowed to give it to whomever you want, including a donkey sanctuary in Connecticut.” If Hackman’s legal documents were updated in his later years—particularly given his battle with Alzheimer’s—any significant changes could come under scrutiny.
Further intrigue surrounded the final days of Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza provided details on her last known activities. On February 11, the day she is believed to have passed away, Arakawa followed a typical routine: sending an email to her massage therapist, visiting a grocery store, making a stop at a pharmacy, and purchasing pet food. However, after 5:15 p.m., all activity ceased. Her failure to pick up prescription dog food and medication raised concerns among veterinary staff who had come to know her as a devoted pet owner.
Authorities confirmed that Arakawa died from hantavirus, a rare but deadly rodent-borne disease. Meanwhile, Hackman, who was suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s, remained in the home for another week before succumbing to heart disease on February 18. He was found collapsed in the mudroom with a cane and sunglasses nearby. One of their dogs, 12-year-old Zinna, also perished, while two others—Bear and Nikki—survived.
A close friend of the couple, Joey Padilla, has since taken in the surviving dogs, ensuring their well-being as legal matters unfold. Padilla, the owner of Santa Fe Tails, a pet boarding facility frequently used by the couple, described Hackman and Arakawa as “amazing friends and dog lovers.” He recounted their shared outings before the pandemic and how Arakawa had gradually limited Hackman’s social interactions to protect his health.
In the aftermath of their deaths, friends and former acquaintances have reflected on the couple’s increasingly private lifestyle. While once known for their social gatherings, Hackman and Arakawa gradually withdrew from public life. Close friends noted that they had not been invited to the couple’s home for years, assuming they were simply enjoying a quiet life together. Arakawa’s longtime friend, Barbara Lenihan, mentioned that their social circle had grown smaller over time. Meanwhile, Hackman’s youngest daughter, Leslie, admitted that she had not spoken to her father in months but believed “everything was normal and good.”
One person who did notice an unsettling silence was Arakawa’s 91-year-old mother, Yoshie Feaster, who lives in Hawaii. According to her housekeeper, Arakawa would check in every month or two, but the calls stopped abruptly in October 2024. When authorities eventually informed Feaster of her daughter’s death, the news did not fully register due to her dementia.
The chain of events leading to their discovery began when a maintenance worker arrived at the Hackman residence on February 26. He immediately noticed something was wrong and, upon seeing Arakawa’s lifeless body through a window, called 911. The emotional 911 call captured the worker’s distress as he pleaded for authorities to arrive quickly. Deputies reached the scene at 1:45 p.m. and found the front door slightly ajar. What they uncovered led to an extensive investigation, which ultimately revealed that both deaths were of natural causes.
As the estate battle looms, the final details of Hackman’s legacy remain uncertain. While some insist his children should not inherit his fortune, others argue that regardless of their relationship, they remain his rightful heirs. The legal process could take years, as New Mexico law allows up to three years for probate cases to be filed. Whether his fortune will be divided among his children, close friends, charitable organizations, or unexpected beneficiaries remains to be seen.
For now, those closest to the late actor and his wife are left to mourn their passing, remembering them not only for their fame but for the quiet life they shared together in Santa Fe.
