The news of Gene Hackman’s passing left fans and Hollywood in utter shock. At 95 years old, the legendary actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. While the details surrounding their deaths are heartbreaking, the 911 call made by their caretaker has left an emotional impact that is hard to ignore.
On that devastating day, Hackman and Arakawa’s caretaker made a grim discovery. The caretaker found both of them lifeless inside their home, along with one of their dogs. Gene Hackman’s body was discovered fully clothed, while Betsy Arakawa’s was found near an open bottle of pills.
The caretaker, in a state of panic, immediately called 911, desperately pleading for help and struggling to gain access to the house.
Listen to Gene Hackman’s Caretaker 911 Call
The distress in the caretaker’s voice was evident throughout the nine-minute call. Frantic and overwhelmed, he repeatedly begged for assistance, expressing his shock and devastation at finding Betsy clearly deceased.
“I think we just found two or one deceased person inside a house,” the caretaker said. “Please send somebody real quick.”
The weight of the moment was undeniable, as the caretaker struggled to process what had happened while trying to relay vital information to emergency responders.
#GeneHackman and his wife were inside their home, not moving … and the sight of them got the 911 caller very emotional, #TMZ has learned. #Exclusive story HERE: https://t.co/cmMk4ZxIfp pic.twitter.com/t3tBH1y3jV
— TMZ (@TMZ) February 27, 2025
Authorities have classified the deaths as “suspicious,” though they have found no initial signs of foul play. The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office has launched a full investigation, with autopsy reports showing no external trauma on either individual.
Toxicology and carbon monoxide tests are currently underway to determine the exact cause of their passing. The heartbreaking scene, coupled with the caretaker’s emotional distress, has only deepened the mystery surrounding their deaths.
