Following the February 2025 deaths of Hollywood icon Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, a rumor circulated online that the FBI was investigating a tunnel it found beneath the couple's home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. According to the claim, the FBI discovered 701 bodies inside the tunnel.
Social media users shared the rumor on X (archived), Threads (archived) and multiple YouTube channels.
However, the claim appears to have originated from a YouTube video posted by a channel called The Ultimate Discovery. The video, which had accumulated nearly 1 million views as of this writing, prompted Snopes readers to reach out about the veracity of the alleged story.
Snopes found no evidence to support this claim, and no credible news outlet has reported on the matter. As such, we have rated this claim as false.
The Ultimate Discovery, the YouTube channel that created the video, describes itself as a "reliable source for totally engaging and transformative content, never ending, aw-inspiring discovery, and binge-worthy entertainment." However, content on its page is more in line with tabloid magazines that focus on fantastical embellishments of news stories presented as fact.
Its description of the video reads:
When the FBI stormed legendary actor Gene Hackman's four million dollar mansion, they expected a routine raid—but what they found sent shockwaves through Hollywood. Hidden beneath his lavish estate was a secret tunnel, shrouded in mystery. But here's where things get even darker—Hackman and his wife were later found. Was it just a heartbreaking tragedy, or was something far more sinister at play? What secrets did that tunnel hold, and who wanted them buried forever? Join us as we dive deep into this chilling mystery and uncover the truth behind one of Hollywood's most shocking cases.
Crucially, the description ends with a disclaimer that reads, "The content presented in our videos is intended solely for entertainment purposes. While we may draw upon facts, rumors, and fiction, viewers should not interpret any part of the content as factual or definitive information. Please enjoy responsibly."
Further, the video claims Hackman and Arakawa's death was announced on Feb. 26, 2025, which is false. According to reports, the couple's remains were discovered that day but information was not made public until the following day.
Details about the nature of their deaths were not released until a news conference on March 7, where New Mexico's chief medical examiner, Dr. Heather Jarrell, said, "It is unprecedented for the Office of the Medical Investigator to make public statements about death investigations. However, the circumstances surrounding these two deaths require accurate dissemination of important information."
According to Jarrell, Arakawa, 65, died of the rare hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which infects humans through contact with afflicted rodents. Hackman, 95, died from severe heart disease, with the actor's Alzheimer's disease playing "a significant contributory factor."
Jarrell explained it was likely Arakawa died days before Hackman and that it was "quite possible that he was not aware that she was deceased" due to his poor health.
There was no mention of a secret tunnel during the news conference, which can be viewed in full on YouTube.
The FBI did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the matter, but this article will be updated should the agency respond.