Gene Hackman Death Mystery: Shocking Rodent Infestation Exposed at Famed Actor’s Estate

by

More has come to light about Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa‘s residence.

Following the tragic deaths of the couple, who had been married for 33 years and were discovered alongside one of their pets in their Santa Fe residence in February, officials disclosed details about the condition of their extensive property in New Mexico, as reported by CNN based on Department of Public Health records.

The March 5 inspection, carried out for the safety of investigators, first responders, and others with access to the premises, revealed both living and deceased rodents, along with rodent nests, in three detached garages. Additionally, officials uncovered rodent droppings in three garages, two small houses, and three sheds, according to the source.

On the grounds, there were eight structures where rodents could gain entry, and two vehicles were also located there. However, the official records pointed out that the main house inhabited by the couple did not exhibit any evidence of rodent infestation and had been certified as clean by the relevant department.

In the course of my work as a lifestyle expert, I cannot stress enough the importance of understanding potential health risks, especially those related to our environment. Recently, I learned about a tragic incident involving Arakawa, a 65-year-old individual, who passed away due to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome – a respiratory illness primarily contracted through contact with infected rodents. This sobering information was confirmed by none other than Sheriff Adan Mendoza in a press conference held in Santa Fe.

Following her death, Hackman (age 95) succumbed to complications due to high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries. Alzheimer’s disease also played a substantial role in his demise.

After their passing, it was speculated among their friends that Arakawa, who served as Hackman’s caretaker, may not have been aware of her own illness due to its rarity and scarcity.

Stephen Marshall stated during the Last Days of Gene Hackman: ABC News Special, “If Betsy had known how ill she truly was, she likely would have arranged for additional assistance.” It seemed to him that she believed she’d recover and her primary concern wasn’t herself, but taking care of Gene.

According to their loved ones, it was mutual support between Arakawa, the classical pianist, and Hackman – each admired and encouraged the other.

Marshall recollected that Betsy was an incredibly gracious and delightful lady. Since their early years, she had been with Gene. He always took great pride in her achievements. Notably, she had performed with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra.

Meanwhile, their pal Kevin Bobolosky shared a glimpse into the couple’s sweet dynamic at home.

In simpler terms, one could say, “He described Hackman as a peaceful colossus. Betsy, it seemed, took care of most of the cooking and housekeeping on their vast estate out of affection for him. They appeared to have everything they desired.

Read on for everything we know about Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths.

In the Santa Fe, New Mexico residence of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, who had been married for 33 years, two maintenance workers discovered their bodies on February 26 through a window. The authorities stated that these workers notified the community’s caretaker, who then dialed 911 after being alerted to the situation.

The caller informed 911, as heard on a recording, that “They aren’t going anywhere at the moment.” They requested immediate assistance by saying, “Could you please dispatch someone here quickly.

Upon finding myself in a distressing situation, I discovered myself unconsciously sprawled out on the bathroom floor, located to the left of the front door. In my attire, I was dressed casually in a sweatshirt and sweatpants. Upon closer inspection, an open prescription pill bottle and scattered pills were found on the countertop. These details were revealed in a search warrant affidavit obtained by TopMob News on February 27th.

95-year-old Hackman was discovered lying down in a space that deputies referred to as a mudroom close to the kitchen, according to the search warrant. Near his body were a walking cane and a pair of sunglasses.

Amongst the couple’s three dogs, it was initially mistaken for their German shepherd named Bear, but it turned out to be their Australian Kelpie mix called Zinna who was discovered deceased in a bathroom closet, as mentioned in the warrant. Near Arakawa’s body, another dog appeared healthy, and the third dog, too, seemed healthy, roaming outside.

At approximately 9:30 p.m. on February 26th, a search warrant was carried out at the house in question. The bodies of Hackman and Arakawa were taken away from the premises the next morning.

Initially, the sheriff’s department claimed on February 27 that there was no indication of criminal activity, but investigators found the circumstances leading to the deaths of the two people to be so questionable that they felt it necessary to conduct an extensive examination and inquiry, as indicated in the warrant.

According to the warrant, there was no apparent evidence of blunt-force injury, carbon monoxide poisoning, or any forced entry into the house. Instead, the deputies mentioned that the front door was slightly open.

Additionally, indications suggested that Hackman and Arakawa had been deceased for some time. A deputy noted that Arakawa’s body appeared to be partially decomposed, with mummification around her hands and feet. Similarly, Hackman’s body displayed similar signs of decay. Furthermore, it seemed as if they both might have collapsed unexpectedly to the ground.

The initial witness who encountered the bodies informed investigators that his last conversation with the couple was approximately two weeks prior, as stated in the search warrant. Typically, he exchanged communications with Arakawa through phone calls and text messages.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza of Santa Fe County clarified to the Santa Fe New Mexican that they’re currently engaged in an initial inquiry concerning a possible death. He wished to reassure the community and its residents that there’s no present threat to anyone’s safety.

During the search, investigators took away two mobile phones, medications for blood pressure and thyroid, Tylenol, personal medical records, and a 2025 calendar as stated in the warrant summary.

At a news conference held on February 28, Sheriff Mendoza stated that Hackman’s pacemaker’s last registered activity occurred on February 17. This makes it a reasonable assumption that this was likely the final day of his life.

Mendoza stated that they were still examining various aspects of mobile devices, such as call logs, texts, images, and activities, to construct a sequence of events.

But it wasn’t going to be easy.

According to the sheriff, who spoke on TODAY, “We recognize it’s difficult since they were quite private people and had a private family. Currently, we are gathering all relevant details.

With deep regret, we share the heartbreaking news that our beloved father, Gene Hackman, along with his cherished wife, Betsy, has sadly passed away. In a joint statement, his daughters Leslie, Elizabeth, and granddaughter Annie conveyed their feelings. They fondly referred to him as simply ‘Dad’ and ‘Grandpa’, acknowledging the immense love and respect he commanded globally for his exceptional acting career. However, to us, he was just family, and we will feel his absence profoundly and are left shattered by this loss.

Leslie Anne Allen, one of the three children actor shared with his first wife Faye Maltese, revealed to Fox News Digital that it’s been a while since they last met face-to-face as she resides in California and he seldom travels, but they have been exchanging messages over the past couple of months.

1. She expressed her deep affection for him by saying, “I cared for him deeply.” He proved himself to be an individual with a kind heart. Furthermore, Leslie confirmed that he maintained his health through regular yoga and Pilates sessions.

2. In expressing her feelings, she said, “I held him dear,” emphasizing his goodness of character. Leslie also mentioned that she knew him to be in good physical condition due to his consistent practice of yoga and Pilates.

3. She conveyed her deep love for him by saying, “He was special to me.” His kindness was evident to everyone who knew him. In addition, Leslie noted that he kept fit through regular yoga and Pilates routines.

4. With warmth in her voice, she declared, “I cherished him deeply,” acknowledging his admirable qualities. It was common knowledge among their circle that he practiced yoga and Pilates regularly to stay healthy.

5. She shared her heartfelt feelings by saying, “He occupied a significant place in my affection.” His good-natured personality was beyond dispute. Leslie also highlighted the fact that he maintained his health through consistent yoga and Pilates sessions.

With each passing day, relatives expressed their efforts to disregard speculations regarding potential events, instead focusing on obtaining authentic information from official sources.

In a conversation with Us Weekly, Tim Hackman, nephew of the late actor, stated that they’re currently awaiting the results from toxicology tests. These results will provide clarity on the situation. He expressed that it’s challenging to form theories at this point, as there are numerous speculations circulating. He prefers not to engage in such speculation, especially when it leans towards negative assumptions.

I exclaimed, “Initially, I thought my uncle was reaching that point in life when one reflects, ‘It’s time.’ However, recent events have significantly altered that perspective. It’s a profound shift.

Since the late 1980s, Hackman, who last appeared in a film in 2004’s “Welcome to Mooseport”, had been residing with Arakawa in Santa Fe. As an artist himself, he was deeply involved in the local arts community and served on the board of the Georgia O’Keefe Museum from 1997 until 2004.

Despite being well-connected in Hollywood, regularly interacting with celebrities, and having fascinating tales to share, he maintained a rather understated demeanor,” longtime friend and gallery owner Stuart Ashman shared with the Los Angeles Times. “He was essentially an ordinary man.

Jennifer LaBar-Tapia, the film commissioner in Santa Fe, shared with journalists that both Hackman and Arakawa had a significant connection to Santa Fe, being deeply embedded within its community.

However, the occurrences of Hackman have grown less frequent, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Daniel Lenihan shared with People that the actor, who was often seen walking his dogs, cycling around their neighborhood, and supporting local businesses, had essentially been confined to his home in recent months. Aaron Lenihan mentioned that Arakawa was making efforts to keep him active, engaged, and healthy, but Daniel expressed concern as Hackman appeared to be deteriorating.

Daniel’s wife, Barbara Lenihan, stated that the classical pianist, Arakawa, was in ‘outstanding health’ and ‘extremely fit.’

In March 2024, a photograph taken by the latest paparazzo, depicting a weak-appearing Hackman and Arakawa in public, was shared by Page Six.

On February 28th, Sheriff Mendoza informed the press that the tests conducted on Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies for carbon monoxide poisoning were negative. However, he pointed out that comprehensive autopsy and toxicology results might not be available for “up to three months or more.

According to the New Mexico Gas Company on March 4th, although a small leak was detected in a stove burner, the amount of carbon monoxide released wasn’t sufficient to be potentially deadly. Furthermore, their investigation didn’t uncover any additional leaks or problems with the gas line.

From my professional perspective as a lifestyle expert, I’ve learned that while this residence complied with gas and carbon monoxide safety regulations, it was found to have various other code infringements. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining a safe living environment in every aspect.

According to the New Mexico Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Heather Jarrell, Arakawa passed away due to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome – an uncommon lung disease that arises from contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, as she announced during a press conference on March 7th.

Meanwhile, Hackman was clearly struggling with severe Alzheimer’s, as stated by Jarrell. His health was incredibly frail, burdened by serious heart conditions. It seems these health issues eventually led to his passing.

Arakawa may have experienced flu-like symptoms before she died, the medical examiner said.

Erin Phipps, a veterinarian working for the public health department of New Mexico, stated that the couple’s residence showed minimal risk for exposure, but there were indications of rodents inhabiting other buildings on the property.

122 instances of hantavirus and 52 resulting fatalities have been documented in New Mexico by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over the period from 1993 to 2022.

Based on the coroner’s findings, it appears that Arakawa, who was last seen running errands on February 11, may have already passed away around a week before Hackman’s death, which was estimated to be on February 18, based on his last recorded pacemaker activity. This is a day later than the initial report from authorities had suggested.

Their bodies weren’t discovered for another eight days, so 15 days after Arakawa died.

According to what’s known so far, Hackman remained in the house with his wife’s remains until he eventually passed away on his own.

Jarrell stated that it seems plausible that he might not have known she had passed away. Hackman, as she pointed out, hadn’t eaten before he died, yet he wasn’t suffering from dehydration.

According to state vet Phipps, it appears that Zinna, their pet dog, tragically passed away due to lack of food and water while being kept in a crate in the bathroom.

As it stands now, there’s no evidence found suggesting that someone was taking care of the house. (Sheriff Mendoza stated on March 7)

For quite some time, Arakawa had been handling her husband’s daily affairs, arranging his golf matches and social visits with friends, as per Tom Allin, a friend who has known Hackman for 20 years and typically conversed with the actor’s wife over the phone when making calls.

She closely watched over him, as Allin stated, and he likely wouldn’t be alive today without her constant care.

According to his friend Ashman, it seemed only natural for everyone who knew him to have been in touch with him. Ashman himself was unaware, and it’s truly unfortunate. It’s heartbreaking to think about, especially since she passed away a week prior. Oh my goodness.

Ashman told the Washington Post that given their friendship, it seemed everyone should have been keeping tabs on Hackman. Ashman himself was clueless, and it’s just so sad. What makes it worse is that she passed away a week before him. Oh my goodness.

As I reflect on what appears to be the final day of my life, I started off by sending an email to my trusted massage therapist in the morning sunrise. Later in the afternoon, I ventured out to a bustling grocery store, filling my basket with essentials and enjoying the lively atmosphere. Before heading home, I made a quick stop at a nearby pharmacy to pick up some items. The pet store was my next destination, where I spent time interacting with the adorable animals. By approximately 5:15 PM, according to the authorities, I returned home. From that day forward, February 12th, I ceased responding to any emails, marking a significant shift in my digital communications.

Sheriff Mendoza stated that it was his assumption that she often wore a mask when out running her daily tasks, as her friends explained this was due to her concern about unintentionally bringing any diseases back to her husband at home.

Although the coroner ascertained that Arakawa likely passed away on February 11, a local physician claims he interacted with her on the 12th of the same month.

On February 12th, she phoned us in the morning and conversed with one of our physicians who advised her to visit later that day. Dr. Josiah Child, head of Cloudberry Healthcare in Santa Fe, revealed this information during an interview with the DailyMail on March 17th. However, despite making an appointment for her, she failed to attend.

He mentioned that the meeting had nothing to do with Hantavirus. Moreover, he pointed out they had attempted to reach her on several occasions, but she didn’t respond.

Read More

2025-04-15 16:18