Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa’s Shocking Secret Buried 8 Days After Their Mysterious Deaths

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Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa have reached their final resting place.

About two months following the discovery of the couple’s lifeless bodies in their residence, they were interred in a private ceremony, as per several news accounts.

At the service held in Santa Fe, where the pair lived, were three children of the two-time Oscar winner: Christopher (65 years old), Elizabeth (62), and Leslie (58). This was reported by People magazine.

TopMob News has reached out to Hackman’s rep for comment but has not heard back.

On February 26th, the bodies of Hackman and Arakawa were found at their home, accompanied by the remains of one of their three dogs. It was later established that the actor’s death was due to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with severe Alzheimer’s disease playing a significant role in his demise, as revealed at a press conference held in March.

Regarding Hackman’s spouse, she, a renowned pianist, unfortunately succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome – an uncommon lung infection in people contracted primarily from rodent urine, feces, or saliva.

Remarkably, an examination of the couple’s home a few days after they were found revealed both living and deceased rodents, along with their nests and droppings, in three garages, two small houses, and three sheds on their property, according to records from the New Mexico Department of Public Health obtained by CNN. Interestingly, however, the main residence on the property was deemed clean and showed no evidence of rodent infestation, as per the documents.

In light of more information coming to light about the incident, Yoshie Feaster, Arakawa’s mother, has asked that any footage depicting her daughter and son-in-law’s deceased bodies not be shared publicly. She expressed concern that such images would cause an overwhelming amount of distress if they were made public.

She stated in court papers, as reported by People magazine, that “The public spectacle of my daughter’s passing is something no parent should have to endure.” She further argued that “A parent’s role in caring for their child during life should logically extend to a parent’s authority in handling a child’s demise.

For more on the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, keep reading…

In Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 26, actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, who had been married for 33 years, were discovered deceased in their home by two maintenance workers. They noticed the bodies through a window from outside the property. The authorities report that they immediately contacted the community’s caretaker, who then dialed 911.

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

Upon arriving at the scene, Santa Fe County sheriff’s deputies discovered Arakawa, aged 65, lying on the bathroom floor to the left of the front door. According to a search warrant affidavit obtained by TopMob News, she was dressed in a sweatshirt and sweatpants. There was an open prescription pill bottle and loose pills scattered on the countertop.

95-year-old Hackman was found lying down in an area 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.

In the bathroom closet, one of the three dogs belonging to the couple (previously mistaken for their German shepherd, Bear) was discovered deceased. This unfortunate dog turned out to be Zinna, a mix breed of Australian Kelpie. Meanwhile, another dog appeared healthy and was found next to Arakawa’s body. The third dog, also in good health, was seen running around outside.

Last night, at approximately 9:30 PM on February 26th, a search warrant was carried out at a residence. It wasn’t until the following morning that the bodies of individuals known as Hackman and Arakawa were carefully retrieved from the scene. As a lifestyle expert, it’s always distressing to learn about such events and my thoughts go out to the families involved during these difficult times.

Although the sheriff’s office stated on February 27th that there was no indication of criminal activity, investigators believed the circumstances leading to the deaths of the two individuals were questionable enough to warrant a comprehensive investigation and search, according to the warrant.

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

Additionally, it appeared that Hackman and Arakawa had been deceased for some time. One officer noticed that her corpse exhibited early stages of decomposition, with mummification occurring around her hands and feet, as stated in the search warrant. Similarly, Hackman’s body displayed similar signs consistent with death. Furthermore, it seemed they might have collapsed unexpectedly upon hitting the ground.

As a dedicated admirer, I recall my last conversation with the cherished pair approximately two weeks prior, as shared in the search warrant. Typically, our interactions were via phone calls or text messages, exchanges with Arakawa that I eagerly awaited.

In simple terms, Sheriff Adan Mendoza informed the Santa Fe New Mexican that they’re currently conducting an initial investigation concerning a possible death. He wanted to reassure the community and surrounding area that at this moment, there’s no imminent threat to anyone’s safety.

As an over-the-moon fanatic, I’d recount my experience: Two cell phones, prescriptions for blood pressure and thyroid, some Tylenol, my medical documents, and a 2025 planner were among the belongings seized during the search, as per a warrant summary.

At a news conference on February 28th, I, as a devoted follower of the details shared, convey that Sheriff Mendoza suggested a plausible assumption: Hackman’s pacemaker’s latest activity was on February 17th. This leads us to believe, with a high degree of certainty, that it was likely his final day in life.

Instead of analyzing “cell phone data, phone calls, text messages, events, photos on the cell phone,” Mendoza explained, they were trying to assemble a sequence of events by examining these various aspects of the mobile device.

But it wasn’t going to be easy.

According to the sheriff on TODAY, “We recognize this is difficult given their private nature. At present, we are gathering all the details.

We regretfully share the news that our dear father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy, have passed away. To millions worldwide, he was a remarkable actor, but to us, he was simply Dad and Grandpa. We will deeply miss him and are heartbroken by this loss.

Leslie Anne Allen, one of the three children actor Faye Maltese shared with him, shared with Fox News Digital that they hadn’t met for a few years due to her living in California and his reduced travel, but they’ve recently been communicating over the last couple of months.

1. She expressed that she deeply cared for him, saying, “He had a truly kind heart.” Additionally, Leslie mentioned that he maintained his well-being by regularly doing yoga and pilates.

2. Speaking of her feelings, she admitted to dearly loving him, describing him as an individual with a genuinely good character. Furthermore, Leslie shared that she knew him to be in excellent health due to his consistent practice of yoga and pilates.

3. She confessed her deep affection for him, referring to him as someone with a heart full of kindness. In addition, Leslie confirmed that he kept himself fit by regularly engaging in yoga and pilates exercises.

4. She professed that she cherished him deeply, acknowledging his genuine goodness. Moreover, Leslie verified that he was always in good health thanks to his daily yoga and pilates routines.

5. She conveyed her deep admiration for him, characterizing him as a person with a warm heart. Notably, Leslie affirmed that his fitness regimen included regular yoga and pilates sessions, ensuring his health.

Over time, relatives expressed their attempts to ignore the speculations regarding potential events, choosing instead to await concrete responses from official sources.

In a conversation with Us Weekly, Tim Hackman, nephew of the late actor, shared that they are still awaiting the results from toxicology tests. These findings will provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding his uncle’s death. He emphasized that it’s challenging to engage in theoretical discussions at this point, as there are numerous theories circulating online. Tim expressed a preference against speculating, especially with potentially negative interpretations.

He remarked, “Initially, my uncle was in an age where one often considers, ‘It’s about time.’ However, given the current situation, there has been quite a significant shift.

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

According to his longtime friend, gallery owner Stuart Ashman, he was quite an unassuming person despite having fascinating tales about Hollywood and various celebrities. Essentially, he was just your average Joe.

Jennifer LaBar-Tapia, the film commissioner of Santa Fe, expressed to journalists that both Hackman and Arakawa had a strong connection with the city, being deeply ingrained in its community.

However, the occurrences of Hackman have been noticeably less frequent, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Daniel Lenihan shared with People that the actor, who previously enjoyed walking his dogs, cycling around the neighborhood, and supporting local businesses, had been largely confined at home in recent months. Aaron Lenihan noted that Arakawa was making efforts to keep him active, engaged, and healthy, but according to Daniel, Hackman seemed to be deteriorating.

According to Daniel’s spouse, Barbara Lenihan, the renowned classical pianist, Arakawa, was in “impeccable condition” and “exceptionally fit.

In March 2024, a photograph taken by a paparazzo showing a weak-appearing Hackman and Arakawa in public together was published by Page Six.

On February 28th, Sheriff Mendoza informed the media that the initial tests for carbon monoxide poisoning on Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies were negative. However, he added, it might take up to three months, or even longer, for the complete autopsy and toxicology results.

On March 4, the New Mexico Gas Company reported that although a tiny leak was discovered 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 lines.

Investigators reported discovering multiple building code infractions in the house, yet none concerning gas or carbon monoxide.

According to the statement made by New Mexico’s Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Heather Jarrell, during a press conference on March 7th, it was confirmed that Arakawa passed away due to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome – a scarcely occurring lung infection stemming from contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.

Meanwhile, Hackman appeared to be suffering from severe stages of Alzheimer’s disease, as stated by Jarrell. His health was deteriorating significantly, with a serious heart condition being a major contributing factor that led to his unfortunate demise.

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

As a devoted enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: “Yours truly, an ardent fan, was enlightened by New Mexico state public health veterinarian Erin Phipps that the concerned couple they’ve been discussing were at ‘low risk’ for exposure from their residence. However, there were telltale signs of rodents lurking in other structures on the property.

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

The coroner’s findings suggest that Arakawa, who was last seen on February 11, appeared to have passed away around a week before Hackman, whose last known vital signs from his pacemaker indicated he died on approximately February 18 (one day later than the initial report by authorities).

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

From what is known so far, Hackman remained the only person inside the house, alongside his wife’s deceased body, until he subsequently met his own end.

Speaking as a die-hard fan, I must admit it seems plausible that he might have been oblivious to her passing. As for Hackman, there was no food in his system at the time of his demise, but he wasn’t suffering from dehydration either.

According to state vet Phipps, it appears that their pet dog Zinna perished due to lack of food and water, as she was confined in the bathroom.

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

For quite some time, Arakawa had been overseeing her husband’s daily routine, organizing his golf matches and social engagements with friends, as per pal Tom Allin who shared this information with the New York Times. He mentioned that he had known Hackman for two decades, but it was always Arakawa he spoke to on the phone.

According to Allin, she always took great care to keep him safe, and he likely wouldn’t be alive today without her constant vigilance.

According to Ashman, his friend Hackman’s acquaintances should have been reaching out to him more often. Ashman himself was unaware of his condition…It’s truly heartbreaking. What makes it even worse is that she passed away a week prior to him. Oh my goodness.

On what seemed like her final day alive, Arakawa sent an email to her masseuse in the morning hours. In the afternoon, she visited a grocery store, made a quick stop at a pharmacy, and then headed to a pet store. According to officials, she returned home around 5:15 PM. After February 11th, she did not respond to any subsequent emails.

Sheriff Mendoza stated that it was his assumption that she often wore a mask when going out to run her daily tasks, as this practice is something her friends claimed she frequently followed due to concerns about potentially spreading any diseases back to her husband at home.

Although the coroner concluded that Arakawa likely passed away on February 11, a local physician claims they had a conversation with her the day after.

On February 12th, someone contacted our clinic in the morning and spoke with one of our doctors who advised them to visit us that same afternoon. Dr. Josiah Child, who oversees Cloudberry Health in Santa Fe, shared this information with the DailyMail during an interview on March 17th. However, despite setting up an appointment for her, she failed to appear.

He mentioned that the meeting had nothing to do with hantavirus. He also said they made several attempts to reach her, but she didn’t respond.

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2025-04-16 00:18