Hollywood and the world have been shaken by the tragic passing of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by New Mexico’s chief medical examiner, Heather Jarrell, during a press conference on Friday.
Jarrell noted that while it is rare for her office to make public statements about private investigations, the circumstances surrounding these deaths made it essential to provide clarity.
What Happened to Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa?
Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 64, were discovered dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26. Autopsies conducted the following day revealed that Hackman died from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease—a condition that affects the heart due to high blood pressure and artery blockages. The medical examiner also confirmed that Hackman was in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that he may not have been fully aware of his wife’s deteriorating health in her final days.
Meanwhile, Betsy Arakawa’s cause of death was determined to be hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and often fatal disease contracted from exposure to infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that hantavirus can lead to severe respiratory failure, with symptoms including coughing and shortness of breath.
Dr. Erin Phipps, a public health veterinarian from the New Mexico Department of Health, reported that New Mexico sees between one and seven hantavirus infections per year, with a 42% fatality rate. Unfortunately, Arakawa became one of its latest victims.
Investigators Still Seeking a Complete Timeline
Authorities have not determined the exact date of Arakawa’s passing, but the last known electronic communication from her was on February 11. Gene Hackman’s pacemaker recorded its last cardiac activity on February 18, leading experts to believe this was the day he passed away.
Adding to the mystery, their pet dog, Zinna, was also found dead inside their home. Arakawa had picked up Zinna from the veterinarian on February 9, and the dog was found in a crate at the scene. A necropsy is being conducted to determine the cause of Zinna’s death.
No Foul Play Suspected, But Investigation Remains Open
There were no signs of physical trauma or other viral infections in the couple’s bodies. Authorities had previously ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, and the only medications found in the home were prescribed thyroid pills.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that while the investigation remains open until final cellphone records are reviewed, law enforcement is “pretty close” to understanding the full sequence of events that led to this heartbreaking tragedy.
