Gene Hackman lived far from the public eye, spending his later years in the Santa Fe home he meticulously redesigned. The property, surrounded by open land, was meant to be a peaceful retreat. But on February 26, 2025, the home became the focus of a tragic investigation after a maintenance worker discovered the bodies of Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63. Authorities found no signs of forced entry, struggle, or theft, though a space heater and cane were near their bodies. The couple’s German shepherd was also found dead in a kennel, while two other dogs survived.

Hackman, who retired in 2004, spent his final years in privacy, focusing on personal projects and his health. The couple lived in Santa Fe for over three decades, with Hackman actively overseeing the renovation of their home.

Though Hackman stayed out of the public eye, his film legacy remains strong, and his unexpected passing has left fans in mourning.