Gene Hackman, the acclaimed actor, passed away from natural causes shortly after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from a rare respiratory virus, according to authorities on Friday. The startling discoveries of their bodies in New Mexico last month have prompted an investigation into their deaths.
Dr. Heather Jarrell, chief medical investigator for New Mexico, clarified that Hackman died due to heart disease, with complications from advanced Alzheimer’s disease, while Arakawa succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Their partially mummified bodies were discovered in their home, and Hackman, then 95, is believed to have lived up to a week after Arakawa’s demise, possibly unaware of her passing.
Authorities unveiled findings during a press conference, explaining that the couple was found after a maintenance worker sought help when no one answered the door. Neighborhood security discovered the bodies through a window, prompting a police call. Also, one of their three dogs was found deceased.
The Santa Fe County sheriff’s office stated there were no signs of foul play or trauma, and carbon monoxide poisoning was ruled out. Sheriff Adan Mendoza shared that investigators pieced together Arakawa’s activities leading up to her death. On February 9, Arakawa visited a veterinary appointment, and by February 11, she was still active, answering emails and shopping. This was her last known activity.
The hantavirus, which claimed Arakawa’s life, is a severe illness transmitted through exposure to infected rodent droppings, typically in closed or poorly ventilated areas like homes and sheds.
Hackman’s pacemaker suggested his death occurred around February 18, providing an approximate timeline. Inside the home, authorities found Arakawa near an open prescription bottle with pills scattered beside her in the bathroom. Hackman lay in the entryway, and the dead dog was found in a crate nearby, although initial reports mistakenly identified its breed.
Upon discovery, the hot and dry climate of Santa Fe, sitting high in elevation, contributed to the decomposition and partial mummification of their remains. Hackman’s body of work, including Oscar-winning performances in films like “The French Connection,” left a lasting legacy. His career spanned from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s.
Betsy Arakawa, originally from Hawaii, had a background in concert piano and was educated at the University of Southern California. She met Hackman in the 1980s while working at a gym. Together, they settled into a home embodying Pueblo architectural styles, situated in a gated community in the Rocky Mountains.
During retirement, Hackman devoted himself to painting and writing and served on the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum’s board of trustees. He and Arakawa took a keen interest in local enterprises, cementing their ties to the Santa Fe community, which is a haven for celebrities and artists alike.
The tragic and sudden deaths of Hackman and Arakawa have stirred emotions, underscoring how fragile life can be. With Hackman’s warm demeanor and Arakawa’s musical talents, they were deeply woven into their community. The investigation, although concluded with natural causes, leaves a lingering sadness. As the curtain falls on Hackman’s storied life, audiences are reminded of his lasting impact. Meanwhile, the mystery of Arakawa’s encounter with a hantavirus serves as a poignant reminder of unforeseen challenges they faced, ultimately underscoring the unpredictability of life even amidst fame and fortune.
