Gene Hackman’s Daughters hired private investigator but still haven’t claimed the bodies! Why?

Gene Hackman, the esteemed actor, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on February 26, 2025. Hackman, aged 95, succumbed to heart disease complicated by Alzheimer’s, while Arakawa, 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

As of March 31, 2025, their bodies remained unclaimed at the New Mexico medical examiner’s office. Officials indicated that such delays are not uncommon, suggesting that the family might be in the process of arranging funeral services.

Hackman had three children from his previous marriage to Faye Maltese: Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie. In a statement following their father’s passing, they expressed their grief:

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“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy. He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.” ​

Based on the news reports from late March 2025, it is stated that Gene Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie Hackman, hired a private investigator due to suspicions surrounding the death of their father and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. These suspicions reportedly arose from a “cover-up” theory and the emergence of a potential stalker mentioned in newly released bodycam footage.

The family has also been involved in legal proceedings to maintain privacy regarding the circumstances of the deaths. A New Mexico judge ruled that while most investigative records could be released, images depicting the couple must be obscured to protect the family’s privacy.