Gene Hackman’s Wife Had Fluid in Lungs Before Death, Autopsy Reveals

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More details have come to light about Betsy Arakawa’s health in the time leading up to her death.

Following the tragic discovery of both Gene Hackman and his wife, who had been married for 33 years, deceased within their Santa Fe residence, an autopsy report revealed that his wife, Arakawa, had accumulated fluid in her lungs. This information was acquired by The Associated Press.

On April 29, the report was made public, revealing that the 65-year-old individual had collected fluid in her chest, along with a mild thickening of the arteries supplying blood to her heart and body, according to the source. The records also indicated that she had tested negative for COVID-19 and the flu, her carbon monoxide levels were within normal limits, and no signs of injury were detected.

According to the records, Arakawa died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a lung disease contracted by humans upon contact with infected rodents.

Earlier investigations by officials revealed the presence of both deceased and living rodents in eight different structures within their extensive premises, as documented by Department of Public Health records, based on CNN’s reports.

Despite no indications of rodent infestation in their main house, where the remains of Arakawa and Hackman, along with one of their dogs, were discovered, investigators uncovered nests and droppings in all three garages, two casitas, and three storage sheds on their property.

Following Arakawa’s passing, Hackman, aged 95, succumbed to hypertensive and atherosclerotic heart disease, with Alzheimer’s disease playing a substantial role in his demise, as indicated by an autopsy report from the Medical Examiner’s Office obtained by NBC News.

Following their unearthing, it emerged that close relatives of the couple hinted that Arakawa, who served as Hackman’s caretaker, may have been unaware of her illness severity. Given that only a relatively small number of hantavirus cases, specifically 122, were reported in New Mexico between 1993 and 2022, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this lack of awareness could be plausible.

Stephen Marshall hypothesized during the “Last Days of Gene Hackman: ABC News Special” that, had Betsy been aware of her own ill health, she likely would have sought additional assistance. It seemed to him that she believed she was on the mend and prioritized caring for Gene over her concerns about herself.

Absolutely, it was highlighted by their friends that the love story of Arakawa and Hackman, who got married in 1991, seemed like it belonged on the big screen.

In the special, Kevin Bobolosky described Hackman as a tranquil colossus. He added that Betsy, it seemed, primarily took care of the cooking and housekeeping on their vast estate out of affection for him. According to him, they both had all they desired.

For a closer look at Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths, keep reading.

In the residence of Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 26, actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, who had been married for 33 years, were discovered lifeless by two maintenance workers. They spotted them through a window from outside the house. According to reports, they notified 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 asked for immediate assistance to be dispatched to the 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, indicates that she was dressed in a sweatshirt and sweatpants. Additionally, an open prescription pill bottle with scattered pills on the countertop were found nearby.

In my latest exploration of living spaces, I found myself, at the ripe age of 95, sprawled out in an area that seemed to function like a mudroom, adjacent to the kitchen – as law enforcement officials described it based on their search warrant. Nearby, there were a walking cane and a pair of sunglasses, hinting at a sudden pause in my usual active lifestyle.

Among the couple’s three dogs, initially thought to be their German Shepherd named Bear, it was actually their Australian Kelpie mix called Zinna who was tragically discovered deceased in a bathroom closet, as stated in the warrant. Meanwhile, another dog, appearing to be in good health, was found near Arakawa’s body, and yet another, also seemingly healthy, was spotted roaming outside.

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

The sheriff’s office initially reported on February 27th that nothing indicated a criminal act, but investigators found the circumstances leading to the deaths of the two people to be so questionable that they decided to conduct an extensive examination and investigation, as stated in the warrant.

According to the warrant, there was no apparent evidence of brutal injuries, carbon monoxide contamination, or break-ins at the residence. Instead, deputies mentioned that the front door was slightly open.

Additionally, there were indications suggesting that Hackman and Arakawa had been deceased for some time. A deputy observed that Arakawa’s body exhibited signs of decomposition, with mummification in her hands and feet, as stated in the warrant. Similarly, Hackman’s body showed similar and consistent signs of being dead. Furthermore, both appeared to have fallen to the ground unexpectedly.

In my line of work as a lifestyle expert, I recently came across a chilling incident where I was one of the last individuals to have had direct communication with a couple, approximately two weeks prior. Typically, our interactions were conducted via phone conversations and text messages, as per their preference.

As an utterly devoted admirer putting it in my own words, I’d say: “Right now, I’m caught up in a tentative probe concerning a potential demise, and let me clarify this to all – dear community and neighbors – there’s no imminent threat to any of us.” Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza shared this reassurance with the Santa Fe New Mexican.

During the search, as stated in the warrant summary, some of the items taken included two mobile phones, prescriptions for blood pressure and thyroid medications, Tylenol, medical records, and a 2025 planner.

At a news conference held on February 28th, Sheriff Mendoza stated that Hackman’s pacemaker’s last registered activity occurred on February 17th. This leads to the reasonable assumption that it was likely Hackman’s final day alive.

Mendoza stated that they were still examining call logs, texts, photographs, and other mobile device activities to construct a sequence of events.

But it wasn’t going to be easy.

According to the sheriff, they recognize that it’s difficult given the individuals were quite private, and they are currently gathering all relevant details.

With deep sorrow, we share the news of our beloved father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy, who have passed away. This is the statement from Leslie, Elizabeth, and Annie, their granddaughter: “The world knew him as a remarkable actor with an illustrious career, but to us, he was simply Dad and Grandpa. We will dearly miss him, and our hearts are shattered by this loss.

Leslie Anne Allen, one of the three kids the actor had with his first wife Faye Maltese, mentioned to Fox News Digital that it had been a while since they last met because she resides in California and he doesn’t travel as much these days. However, they have been keeping in contact over the past couple of months.

1. She expressed her deep affection for him by saying, “I held him very close to my heart.” He was a truly kind-hearted individual. Furthermore, Leslie mentioned that he maintained his wellbeing by regularly engaging in yoga and Pilates exercises.

2. With heartfelt admiration, she declared, “He had a special place in my heart.” Indeed, he was a person with an exceptional good nature. As for Leslie’s knowledge, she confirmed that he kept himself fit by consistently practicing both yoga and Pilates.

Over time, relatives expressed their attempts at ignoring speculations regarding potential events, preferring instead to await definitive explanations from the authorities.

In a recent interview with Us Weekly, Tim Hackman, nephew of the late actor, mentioned they’re still awaiting toxicology results. These findings will provide clarity on the situation. At this point, it’s challenging to engage in guesswork. There are numerous theories circulating, and I prefer not to add to the speculation as it can lead to negative assumptions.

He commented, “My uncle had reached an age when one often considers, ‘It’s about time,’ but given the recent developments, things have significantly shifted.

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 was he an artist himself, but he also played an active role in the local arts community. From 1997 up until 2004, he served as a board member for the Georgia O’Keefe Museum.

According to his longtime friend and gallery owner, Stuart Ashman, he was quite an understated person despite having fascinating tales about Hollywood and celebrities. Essentially, he was just an ordinary man.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d put it this way: “I, being privy to the essence of Santa Fe, can attest that Hackman and Arakawa are not just visitors but integral parts of our city’s tapestry, deeply embedded in its very soul.

In recent times, there have been fewer and fewer encounters with Hackman, particularly after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Daniel Lenihan shared this information with People, stating that the actor, who was once a regular in their neighborhood, walking his dogs, cycling around, and frequenting local businesses, has largely stayed at home recently. Aaron Lenihan mentioned that they were trying to keep Hackman active and engaged, but according to Daniel, Hackman seemed to be deteriorating.

According to Daniel’s spouse, Barbara Lenihan, the renowned classical pianist, Arakawa, was in ‘outstanding physical condition’ and ‘extremely active.’

In March 2024, the latest photograph taken of a weak-appearing Hackman and Arakawa, captured by paparazzi, was shared by Page Six as they were spotted in public together.

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

As a lifestyle expert, I’d like to share some reassuring news regarding a recent incident. Last week, the New Mexico Gas Company reported a minor leak in one of their stove burners. While this leak was present, it didn’t release enough carbon monoxide to pose any life-threatening risks.

Upon further investigation, they haven’t found any additional leaks or gas line issues that could potentially cause concern. So, rest assured, everything seems to be under control for now. It’s always important to prioritize safety and prompt action when dealing with gas appliances. If you suspect an issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local utility company for assistance.

The investigators mentioned that they found multiple instances of building code infractions within the house, however, none related to gas or carbon monoxide issues.

At a press briefing on March 7th, the New Mexico Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Heather Jarrell, announced that the cause of Arakawa’s death was Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, an uncommon lung infection contracted through contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva.

Meanwhile, Hackman was clearly suffering from severe stages of Alzheimer’s, as stated by Jarrell. His health was extremely weak, with serious heart issues being a major concern, which likely led to his passing.

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

Erin Phipps, a vet working for New Mexico’s state public health department, stated that the couple’s home carried a minimal risk for exposure, yet there were indications of rodent presence in other structures on the premises.

Over a period of 29 years, from 1993 to 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded a total of 122 instances and 52 fatalities related to hantavirus in New Mexico.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it like this: From my understanding gathered from 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 reported demise on February 18. This timeline is based on Hackman’s last recorded pacemaker activity, which was registered a day later than the initial report by authorities.

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

According to what is currently known, Hackman appears to have been the only person present in the house, alongside his wife’s body, until he himself met his end.

Jarrell stated that it seems likely he hadn’t realized she had passed away. In regards to Hackman, she pointed out that he hadn’t eaten before he died, yet he wasn’t suffering from dehydration.

According to state veterinarian Phipps, it appears that Zinna, their pet dog, had tragically passed away due to lack of food and water while being confined in the bathroom.

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

For quite some time, Arakawa had been overseeing her husband’s daily routine, arranging his golf outings and social visits with friends, as per Tom Allin, a friend who has known Hackman for two decades and usually conversed with his wife on the phone when making calls.

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

According to his friend Ashman, speaking to the Washington Post, it seems everyone who knew him should have been in touch with him. I was unaware…It’s truly heartbreaking. And it’s even more tragic that she passed away a week prior to him. Oh my goodness.

On what seemed like her final day, Arakawa sent an email to her masseuse early in the morning. Later in the afternoon, she visited a grocery store, then made a stop at a pharmacy, followed by a pet store. According to officials, she was back home around 5:15 p.m. Since February 11th, she didn’t reply to any emails.

According to Sheriff Mendoza, it’s likely that she donned a mask whenever she went out to run her daily errands. This is something her friends mentioned she often did, out of concern about potentially transmitting any diseases back to her spouse at home.

According to the coroner’s findings, it appears Arakawa passed away on or around February 11th. However, a local physician claims that they had a conversation with her the day after this alleged incident.

On February 12th, a call came in during the morning and one of our physicians spoke to her, advising her to visit us that same afternoon. Dr. Josiah Child, who manages Cloudberry Health in Santa Fe, shared this information with the DailyMail in an interview published on March 17th. However, despite setting up an appointment for her, she failed to appear.

He mentioned that the appointment had nothing to do with the hantavirus. He also pointed out that they attempted to contact her on multiple occasions, but she didn’t respond.

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2025-04-30 16:48