Gene Hackman & Wife's Mysterious Deaths: A Family Member Speaks Out

Betsy Arakawa‘s mom is sharing her desire to grieve privately.

Following the tragic deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife at their New Mexico residence in February, Yoshie Feaster, the couple’s mother, has shared her thoughts on their demise.

91-year-old Feaster expressed her desire that images and videos of Arakawa’s body and residence not be made public, stating in court papers obtained by People, “The extensive media attention surrounding her passing has caused me to re-experience the distressing event of her sudden demise, over and over again.

She respectfully asks the court to acknowledge and uphold her need for privacy during this difficult time. Furthermore, she seeks the court’s understanding that it is essential for her constitutional rights that she be spared from viewing images of her daughter’s residence, her daughter’s deceased body, her son-in-law’s deceased body, and their pet’s remains.

Feaster went on to detail the emotional turmoil she’s faced due to the attention on the case.

She stated, “The public display connected with the demise of my daughter is an ordeal no parent ought to experience. I am convinced that a parent’s prerogative to manage their child’s care during life logically includes a parent’s choice in handling a child’s passing.

The matriarch expresses her desire to prevent a significant emotional distress if the photos are made public, as well as restricting the dissemination of the autopsy findings. Additionally, she wishes to maintain custody over Arakawa’s remains.

Feaster stated that it’s impossible for a sensible person to ignore these disturbing visuals and recordings. He emphasized the importance of society showing reverence not just for the deceased, but also for the bereaved family members who mourn their departed loved ones.

Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were found dead at their home along with their dog Zinna on Feb. 26.

Officials concluded that Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a serious lung infection contracted by humans through rodent droppings. They suspect Hackman passed away several days later due to complications related to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), with Alzheimer’s disease playing a significant role in his demise.

Or, more concisely:

Officials determined that Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, contracted through rodent droppings, and suspect Hackman passed away due to ASCVD with Alzheimer’s disease as a contributing factor.

It appears that investigators concluded that the dog, which was confined within a crate at the time, probably passed away due to lack of water and food.

Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were found dead at their home along with their dog Zinna on Feb. 26.

The authorities concluded that Arakawa succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe lung infection transmitted to humans by rodent droppings. They suspect Hackman later passed away from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), with Alzheimer’s disease worsening his condition.

In other words, Arakawa died from hantavirus infection, which is caused by rodent excrement, while Hackman lost his life to ASCVD, with Alzheimer’s playing a significant role in his case.

The investigators found that it’s highly probable that their pet dog passed away due to lack of water and food while confined within a crate.

Keep reading for a full breakdown of the tragedy.

In the Santa Fe, New Mexico residence they shared for 33 years, acting legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were tragically discovered deceased on February 26. This grim discovery was made by two maintenance workers peering through a window from outside the house. Upon finding the bodies, they notified the community’s caretaker, who promptly contacted emergency services (911).

As a diligent observer, I reported to the emergency services, “They’re not shifting position,” I emphasized, based on my listening to the situation. “I kindly request prompt dispatch of assistance to this location.

Upon the arrival of Santa Fe County sheriff’s deputies, they discovered Arakawa, aged 65, lying on the floor of a bathroom to the left of the front door. The affidavit for a search warrant dated February 27, obtained by TopMob News, states that she was dressed in a sweatshirt and sweatpants. Additionally, an open prescription pill bottle and scattered pills were found on the countertop.

In an eerie turn of events, I found myself huddled in a seemingly ordinary mudroom beside the kitchen, just like they described in the warrant – 95-year-old Hackman lay there. Nearby, his trusted walking cane and sunglasses stood as silent sentinels, keeping watch over him.

Among the couple’s three dogs, initially thought to be their German shepherd named Bear, it was actually a mixed breed Australian Kelpie called Zinna who was discovered deceased in a bathroom closet, as stated in the warrant. A second dog, appearing to be in good health, was found near Arakawa’s body, while another healthy-looking canine was roaming outside.

On February 26, at approximately 9:30 p.m., a search warrant was carried out at the residence. The bodies of Hackman and Arakawa were taken away from the scene the next morning.

As an overly enthusiastic fan, I can’t help but delve deeper into the mystery! Though the sheriff’s office claimed on Feb. 27 that there were no indications of any untoward incidents, the investigators found the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two departed individuals to be so enigmatic and intriguing that they deemed it necessary to conduct a comprehensive search and inquiry, as stated in the warrant.

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

Additionally, indications pointed towards Hackman and Arakawa having been deceased for some time: A deputy reported that Arakawa’s body exhibited partial decomposition, with mummification occurring around her hands and feet, as mentioned in the warrant. Similarly, Hackman’s corpse displayed similar signs of prolonged death. Moreover, it seemed as though both individuals may have suddenly collapsed to the ground.

According to the search warrant, the worker who initially discovered the bodies mentioned that his latest conversation with the couple was approximately two weeks prior, and typically, he interacted with Arakawa through phone conversations and text messages.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza of Santa Fe County informed the Santa Fe New Mexican that we are currently conducting an initial inquiry into a potential death. He wants to reassure the community and nearby residents that there is no present threat to anyone’s safety.

During the search, as outlined in the warrant summary, several items such as two mobile devices, medications for blood pressure and thyroid, Tylenol, personal medical records, and a 2025 calendar or planner were taken by the investigators.

At the news conference on February 28th, I shared that according to Sheriff Mendoza’s statement, Hackman’s pacemaker’s last registered activity occurred on February 17th. This leads me to believe, quite confidently, that it was likely his final day in life.

Mendoza explained that they were examining “mobile device details like calls, texts, images, and stored events” with the aim of constructing a sequence of events.

But it wasn’t going to be easy.

According to the sheriff on TODAY, they recognize it’s difficult due to their privacy, as they were extremely private individuals and a secluded family. Currently, they are gathering all the details.

With profound sorrow, I share the heartbreaking news: my beloved father, Gene Hackman, and his cherished wife, Betsy, have left us. My sister, Elizabeth, my mother, Leslie, and I, along with our family, express this sentiment. Although he was revered globally for his exceptional acting career, to us, he was simply Dad and Grandpa. We are deeply saddened by his departure and the void that his absence leaves behind.

Leslie Anne Allen, one of the three children actor Bill Murray shared with his first wife Faye Maltese, mentioned to Fox News Digital that it had been several years since they last saw each other because she resides in California and he doesn’t travel much these days. However, they have managed to keep in contact over the past couple of months.

1. She expressed deep affection for him, saying, “He had a truly kind heart.” Additionally, Leslie confirmed that he maintained his wellbeing by consistently engaging in yoga and Pilates exercises.

2. She shared her fondness for him, stating, “There was no one more sincerely good-natured than him.” Furthermore, Leslie acknowledged that he kept himself fit by regularly practicing yoga and Pilates.

3. Speaking affectionately, she said, “He held a special place in my heart.” It’s also worth noting that she knew him to be in excellent health, with a commitment to his fitness through regular yoga and Pilates practice.

4. Expressing her deep admiration, she declared, “I had nothing but the highest regard for him.” Leslie confirmed that he prioritized his physical wellness by regularly practicing yoga and Pilates.

5. In expressing her feelings, she said, “He was someone I held dear.” It’s important to note that she observed him maintaining his health through a consistent routine of yoga and Pilates exercises.

Over time, relatives expressed that they were making an effort to ignore speculations regarding potential events, preferring to wait for definitive information instead.

In a conversation with Us Weekly, Tim Hackman, nephew of the late actor, shared that they’re currently awaiting toxicology results. These findings will provide clarity on everything, as it’s challenging to engage in theoretical discussions at this point. There are numerous theories circulating, but he prefers not to indulge in speculation, emphasizing that it’s all too easy to generate negative hypotheses.

He remarked, “My uncle was at an age where one often considers, ‘It’s time now,’ but recent events have altered that perspective significantly. It’s quite a substantial shift.

Since the late 1980s, Hackman, who last appeared in a movie in 2004 with “Welcome to Mooseport,” has been residing in Santa Fe alongside Arakawa. Not only is he an artist himself, but he also played an active role within the local arts community. He served on the board of the Georgia O’Keefe Museum from 1997 until 2004.

According to longtime friend and gallery owner Stuart Ashman, he was an understated individual despite having fascinating tales about Hollywood and celebrities. Essentially, he was just like any other person.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I find myself deeply immersed in the vibrant tapestry of Santa Fe. Much like Clint Eastwood and George R.R. Martin before them, Hackman and Arakawa have not only left their mark on our city but have become an integral part of it, woven seamlessly into its very essence.

In more recent times, the frequency of Hackman’s appearances has significantly decreased, particularly post-COVID-19. As shared by his friend, Daniel Lenihan, with People magazine, the actor – known for his regular dog walks, bike rides, and local business visits in their neighborhood – has been mostly confined to his home these days. Aaron Lenihan, one of Hackman’s sons, mentioned that they were making efforts to keep him active and engaged, but according to Daniel, Hackman appears to be struggling.

According to Daniel’s spouse, Barbara Lenihan, the classical pianist, Arakawa, was in ‘outstanding health’ and ‘very active.’

In March 2024, the latest photograph of a seemingly weakened Hackman and Arakawa taken in public was shared by Page Six.

On February 28th, Sheriff Mendoza informed reporters that the tests performed on Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies for carbon monoxide poisoning were all clear. However, he emphasized that the final autopsy and toxicology results might take “at least three months, if not longer.

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 emitted wasn’t sufficient to be potentially lethal, and no additional leaks or gas line problems were found during their investigation.

As a diligent observer, I’ve learned that while investigators uncovered multiple infractions regarding building codes within the premises, fortunately, none of these issues appeared to involve gas or carbon monoxide leaks.

As a lifestyle advisor, I’d like to emphasize the importance of maintaining clean environments in your home and surrounding areas. In a recent briefing on March 7th, New Mexico’s Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Heather Jarrell, highlighted a tragic case where someone contracted hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. This rare respiratory infection is often linked to rodent infestations, specifically through contact with their feces, urine, or saliva. So, let’s remember to keep our homes free of pests and maintain good hygiene practices to protect ourselves from such diseases.

According to Jarrell, Hackman exhibited signs of severe Alzheimer’s disease. To put it frankly, he wasn’t well at all. He suffered from serious heart problems, and I believe it was these health complications that led to his passing.

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

Erin Phipps, a veterinarian working for New Mexico’s public health department, stated that the couple’s home posed a minimal risk for exposure, yet there were indications of rodents residing in other buildings on the property.

Over a span of nearly three decades, from 1993 to 2022, a total of 122 instances and 52 fatalities related to hantavirus were documented in New Mexico, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Based on the coroner’s findings, it appears that Arakawa, who was last seen running errands on February 11, had already passed away approximately a week before Hackman’s death. This timeline is suggested by Hackman’s last known pacemaker activity on February 18, which was detected a day later than the initial report from authorities.

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 met his own end.

Jarrell mentioned that it seems likely he hadn’t realized she had passed away. Hackman, on the other hand, hadn’t eaten before he expired, but he wasn’t suffering from dehydration either.

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

According to Sheriff Mendoza on March 7th, there’s currently no evidence suggesting that there was someone looking after the house.

For quite some time, Arakawa had taken charge of her husband’s daily routines, organizing his golf outings and social visits with friends, as stated by friend Tom Allin in an interview with the New York Times. He added that, over the past two decades, he had known Hackman, but it was always Arakawa who answered the phone during their conversations.

According to Allin, she was extremely careful with him, and he likely wouldn’t be alive today without her constant care.

As a lifestyle expert, I would rephrase this statement as follows: “We, his friends and acquaintances, should have been reaching out to him more frequently, considering the circumstances. I was completely oblivious to his situation…It’s truly heartbreaking. And to make matters worse, she passed away just a week before him. Oh my goodness.

On what seemed to be her final day, Arakawa emailed her masseuse in the morning hours, later visited a supermarket in the afternoon, popped into a pharmacy before heading to a pet store. According to officials, she returned home approximately by 5:15 PM. After February 11th, she didn’t respond to any emails.

As a devoted admirer putting it in my own words, I’d say: I personally think she often dons a mask when stepping out for everyday tasks, a practice her companions affirm, as she’s deeply concerned about possibly introducing any ailments to her dear 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, a call came back to us in the morning, and one of our doctors spoke with her, advising her to come in 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 making an appointment for her, she failed to appear.

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

2025-04-02 02:18

Gene Hackman & Wife’s Mysterious Deaths: A Family Member Speaks Out

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