The internet wants answers following reports of Gene Hackman’s death this Thursday.
Hackman, a Hollywood icon following very notable movie and television roles, passed away at the age of 95 this Wednesday. His body was discovered at his house in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his 65-year-old wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog also found dead at the residence.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office does not suspect foul play.
“Foul play is not suspected as a factor in those deaths at this time however exact cause of death has not been determined,” the department’s Public Information Office said in a statement (H/T Reuters).
Folks online do not understand how the death isn’t suspicious to the authorities as all three of the victims died at the same time, especially given that Hackman and his wife were 30 years apart in age.
BREAKING: Gene Hackman, the prolific and versatile two-time Oscar-winning actor whose career spanned five decades, has died at 95 after he and his wife were found dead in their home Wednesday afternoon. https://t.co/uoHfBjpv3g pic.twitter.com/KX1fk4I5t0
— ABC News (@ABC) February 27, 2025
“The news is his the oddity of his death. His wife was 30 years younger, and you would have us think, based on this limited reporting, no foul play was suspected??? 2 people with a 30 year age difference just coincidentally died at the same time,” one user commented.
“Of course there was foul play. It’s a typical murder/suicide situation. Dogs don’t die at the same time as owners, and a 63 year old doesn’t die at the same time as a 95 year old,” someone else remarked.
“No foul play yet they died at the same time? No one is questioning this???” a user asked.
No foul play yet they died at the same time? No one is questioning this??? https://t.co/5F6W4K7WgS
— Heather Gagnon (@HeatwaveDesigns) February 27, 2025
“All three, yes. And just sad… Of course, police saying “foul play not suspected”… like all three died of natural causes at the same time, coincidentally,” another comment read.
Gene Hackman And His Wife Found Unresponsive After Request For Welfare Check
The circumstances suggest that Hackman and his family were the victims of some type of gas poisoning, which doesn’t necessarily suggest there was foul play, as such accidents do happen. But we should expect further details in time, with police currently investigating.
According to local outlets, the three bodies were found after a neighbor requested a welfare check.
Gene Hackman enjoyed a 60-year acting career after his time in the Marines, appearing in major films such as ‘The French Connection,’ ‘Hoosiers,’ ‘Superman,’ ‘Unforgiven,’ and ‘Young Frankenstein.’
He was a five-time Academy Award nominee and won two of them, taking home Best Actor for ‘The French Connection’ and Best Supporting Actor in ‘Unforgiven.’
Our thoughts are with his family.
