A newly released 911 call details the frantic panic of the individual who first discovered the bodies of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
Warning: This article contains information and details that some readers will find upsetting.
The legendary Hollywood star, 95, and the classical pianist, 63, were found dead on February 26, 2025, inside their $3.3 million estate - an 8,000-square-foot home situated on six acres in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The couple’s German Shepherd was also found dead at the scene. Two of the couple's other dogs were found alive and "healthy", police said, per the New York Post.
Shocking Discovery at Multi-Million Dollar Home
Following the tragic news, The Sun US and TMZ have shared details of the male 911 caller who alerted the authorities to the scene.
The man - whom The Sun reports is a caretaker - is audibly shaken by the upsetting scene, and can be heard pleading with dispatchers to send help immediately.
“I think we just found two, one deceased person inside the house,” the caller said, his voice rattled, in the recording obtained by TMZ. “I’m the caretaker for the subdivision.”
Overcome with shock, the man can be heard exclaiming: “Damn, damn, damn.”
The distressed 911 caller revealed he had seen the couple’s bodies through a window but was unable to enter the home before police arrived. “Can you send someone really quick?” he urged, adding, “They’re not moving.”
When asked about the names and ages of the deceased, the caller admitted he didn’t know. It remains unclear if he was personally acquainted with Hackman and Arakawa.
Authorities later confirmed that the couple had likely been dead for days before they were discovered by two maintenance workers who hadn’t seen them in about two weeks.
A Grim Scene Inside the Home
On Thursday, more tragic details were released by authorities regarding the disturbing scene inside the home.
Authorities who entered the house found Arakawa’s body in a bathroom near the entrance, the New York Post reports.
The affidavit noted she showed “obvious signs of death, body decomposition, bloating in her face, and mummification in both hands and feet.” A black space heater was found near her head, and an open orange pill bottle with scattered pills lay nearby.
Hackman’s body was located in what is believed to be a mudroom, near a pair of sunglasses. He also exhibited “obvious signs of death, similar and consistent with the female decedent.” Investigators noted that it appeared he had “suddenly fallen".
The couple’s deceased dog was found 10-15 feet away inside a bathroom closet, while two other dogs, both described as "healthy", were found elsewhere on the property.
Despite the unsettling scene, authorities reported no signs of forced entry or theft.
Despite initial theories, Fire department officials have ruled out a gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning, leaving the cause of death unknown.
Investigation Ongoing, Hollywood in Mourning
The New Mexico Gas Co. is working with the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department in the ongoing investigation. Sheriff Adan Mendoza acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the deaths, stating: “This is an active investigation, but at this time, we do not believe there was any crime.”
Hackman’s passing marks the end of a legendary career that spanned over six decades. The two-time Academy Award-winning actor was known for his roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, Bonnie and Clyde, and The Royal Tenenbaums.
Arakawa, a classical pianist, married Hackman in 1991, and the couple spent decades enjoying a quiet life in Santa Fe following his retirement from acting in 2004.
As the world awaits answers about their tragic deaths, tributes continue to pour in from fans and celebrities alike, honoring Hackman’s immense contributions to cinema and the life he shared with Arakawa.
Our thoughts continue to go out to their family, friends, and loved ones at this time.