As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but acknowledge that the loss of Gene Hackman, an acting titan, at the age of 95, stirred the anticipated wave of tributes and career evaluations. Among these heartfelt expressions, a special nod came from my collaborator on “Unforgiven,” the esteemed Morgan Freeman, during the 2025 Oscars.
An unexpected complication arose during the inquiry into the tragic events surrounding Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, both found deceased on February 26 in their Santa Fe, NM home they had lived in for years. Alongside them, one of their three dogs was also discovered, adding to the troubling circumstances.
As Hackman was receiving acclaim for his roles in movies such as The French Connection and The Conversation (among many others), rumors swirled, wild guesses arose, and extreme assumptions were made, with investigators trying to make sense of the last days spent by the couple.
After performing autopsies, searching their residence, tracking their mobile phone usage, among other investigative steps, the information gathered painted a picture that was more troubling than initially expected.
As a lifestyle guide, I’d like to share some insights about the recent passing of Hackman and Arakawa. During a March 7 press briefing, it was confirmed that their demise was due to natural causes. However, when we use the term “natural causes,” it can often leave us puzzled, as it encompasses a variety of seemingly mysterious situations that are not typically associated with terms like accident or homicide.
It’s believed that Arakawa passed away due to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, which appears to have happened on February 11, the day she was last spotted in town, as stated by Chief Medical Examiner Heather Jarrell. On the other hand, Hackman seems to have survived for another week before succumbing to heart disease, as reported by the coroner; his pacemaker’s last recorded activity was on February 18.
As a dedicated admirer, I can’t help but share the heartbreaking news that Hackman, in the grips of advanced Alzheimer’s, might not have been cognizant of the fact that his beloved wife had passed away, as Jarrell solemnly stated.
Hantavirus is an uncommon lung disease spread through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, and saliva, which initially manifests flu-like symptoms as per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Erin Phipps, a state public health veterinarian in New Mexico, stated that there was a minimal chance of exposure from the couple’s home, but other structures on their property displayed signs of rodents.
As a devoted follower, here’s my account of the thorough examination into the mysterious demise of Hackman and Arakawa. This narrative unfolds from their discovery to the chilling revelations that emerged later on.
In this way, I aim to provide a clear and easy-to-understand retelling of the events surrounding their deaths.
In their Santa Fe, New Mexico residence on February 26, acting legend Gene Hackman and his wife of 33 years, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered deceased. This unfortunate discovery was made by two maintenance workers who noticed something amiss through a window from outside the house. The authorities report that these workers alerted the community’s caretaker, who in turn contacted emergency services (911).
The caller informed 911, as revealed by the audio recording, that “they aren’t going anywhere” or “they are stationary.” They urgently requested a response team to be dispatched promptly.
Upon arrival at the scene, Santa Fe County sheriff’s deputies discovered Arakawa, aged 65, lying on the floor of a bathroom to the left of the front door. She was dressed in a sweatshirt and sweatpants as stated in a search warrant affidavit dated February 27, obtained by TopMob News. An open prescription pill bottle and scattered pills were found on the countertop.
According to the search warrant, Hackman, who is 95 years old, was found lying in an area resembling a mudroom close to the kitchen. Nearby were his walking cane and a pair of sunglasses.
Amongst the couple’s trio of dogs, initially thought to be their German shepherd named Bear, it turned out to be their Australian Kelpie mix, Zinna, who was discovered deceased in a bathroom closet, as stated in the warrant. Another dog, appearing to be in good health, was found close to Arakawa’s body, while another, also seemingly healthy, was seen roaming outside.
At approximately 9:30 p.m. on February 26, a search warrant was carried out at the residence. The bodies of Hackman and Arakawa were taken away the next morning.
As a diligent follower, I can rephrase the given sentence as follows: The sheriff’s office announced on Feb. 27 that there were no initial indications of any wrongdoing; however, upon further examination by investigators, the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two individuals appeared suspicious enough to warrant a comprehensive search and investigation, as stated in the warrant.
According to the warrant, there were no apparent signs of injury from blunt force, carbon monoxide exposure, or unauthorized entrance into the house. Instead, it was observed that the front door was slightly open.
Additionally, there were indications suggesting that Hackman and Arakawa had been deceased for some time: One deputy pointed out that her body exhibited partial decomposition, with mummification occurring around her hands and feet, according to the search warrant. Meanwhile, Hackman’s body displayed similar and consistent signs of being dead. Furthermore, it appeared as though both individuals might have fallen suddenly to the ground.
The individual who initially discovered the bodies informed investigators that his last conversation with the couple was approximately two weeks prior, as stated in the search warrant. Typically, he interacted with Arakawa via phone calls or text messages.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza of Santa Fe County informed the Santa Fe New Mexican that we’re currently conducting an initial inquiry into a matter related to someone’s death. He wishes to reassure the community and nearby 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 organizer. This is based on a summary of the search warrant.
At a February 28th press conference, I, as a follower of the facts, shared that Sheriff Mendoza stated that Hackman’s pacemaker’s last activity was on February 17th. Given this information, it seems like a reasonable assumption that it marked his final day in life.
Mendoza stated that they were examining “mobile device data such as call logs, texts, calendar entries, and photos” in an effort to construct a sequence of events.
But it wasn’t going to be easy.
According to the sheriff, who spoke on TODAY, “We realize this is difficult due to their private nature. At the moment, we are gathering all the relevant details.
With deep regret, we share the news of our dear father, Gene Hackman, and his wife Betsy’s passing. Our hearts, Leslie, Elizabeth, and granddaughter Annie, ache with sorrow as we remember not just an iconic actor cherished by millions worldwide, but simply our beloved Dad and Grandpa. The void left by his absence is immense.
Leslie Anne Allen, one of three children actor Michael J. Fox shared with his first wife Faye Maltese, mentioned to Fox News Digital that it had been a few years since she last saw her father due to living in California and him not traveling as much, but they’ve managed to stay connected over the past couple of months.
1. She expressed deep affection for him, saying, “I loved him very much,” she declared. He was a truly kind-hearted individual.
2. Leslie confirmed that he maintained his wellbeing by stating, “She affirmed that he was in excellent health,” and added, “He kept fit through regular yoga and pilates.”
Over time, relatives expressed their attempts to ignore speculation regarding potential events, instead focusing on receiving definitive explanations from authorities.
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 clear insights into 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 speculations circulating. He expressed a desire to avoid contributing to any negative theories, preferring instead to wait for concrete evidence.
He remarked, “At ninety-five, my uncle was at that stage where one might consider, ‘It’s about time.’ However, recent events have altered the situation quite significantly. This is a significant shift.
Since the late 1980s, Hackman, who last appeared in a film in 2004 with “Welcome to Mooseport”, had been residing in Santa Fe with Arakawa. Known for his work as an artist, he was deeply involved in the local arts community and served on the board of the Georgia O’Keefe Museum from 1997 until 2004.
Stuart Ashman, a long-term friend and gallery owner, shared with the Los Angeles Times that he was an ordinary person despite having fascinating tales about Hollywood and celebrities. In essence, he lived a low-key lifestyle.
Jennifer LaBar-Tapia, the film commissioner in Santa Fe, shared with reporters that both Hackman and Arakawa have a strong connection to the heart and soul of Santa Fe.
However, encounters with Hackman have grown less frequent, particularly after 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 been largely confined at home in recent times. Aaron Lenihan mentioned that Arakawa was making efforts to keep him active, engaged, and healthy, but according to Daniel, Hackman’s condition seemed to be deteriorating.
According to Daniel’s spouse, Barbara Lenihan, the renowned classical pianist was in peak condition and extremely healthy.
In March 2024, Page Six released the latest photograph of Hackman and Arakawa, who appeared weakened, as they were seen in public together.
As a lifestyle expert, I am sharing an update based on the recent statement by Sheriff Mendoza: The initial tests for carbon monoxide poisoning on Hackman and Arakawa were negative, as reported on February 28th. However, it’s important to note that complete autopsy and toxicology results may take up to three months or even longer for conclusive findings.
On March 4th, the New Mexico Gas Company reported that a tiny leak was detected in a stove burner. However, this leak wasn’t significant enough to be potentially deadly due to carbon monoxide emission, and no additional leaks or gas line problems were found during their subsequent investigation.
As a diligent observer, I’ve uncovered additional building code infractions in the residence, however, none pertaining to gas or carbon monoxide systems.
At a press conference 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 displayed signs of severe Alzheimer’s, as Jarrell explained. His health was extremely poor, with a history of serious heart problems, which likely contributed to his passing.
Arakawa may have experienced flu-like symptoms before she died, the medical examiner said.
Erin Phipps, a public health veterinarian in the state of New Mexico, mentioned that the couple’s personal residence had a minimal chance of contact with harmful agents, yet she noted evidence of rodents in other buildings on their property.
122 instances and 52 fatalities related to Hantavirus were documented in New Mexico, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s records, from 1993 through 2022.
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 died. This is suggested by Hackman’s last recorded pacemaker activity around February 18 (a day later than the initial report by authorities).
Their bodies weren’t discovered for another eight days, so 15 days after Arakawa died.
To the best of their knowledge, Hackman remained the only individual present in the house, alongside his wife’s body, until he met his own demise.
Jarrell stated that it could very well be that he hadn’t realized she had passed away. Hackman, as she pointed out, hadn’t eaten before he perished, but he wasn’t suffering from dehydration either.
According to state veterinarian Phipps, it was discovered that the family’s pet dog, Zinna, had tragically passed away due to lacking both food and water, as she had been confined in the bathroom for an extended period.
According to Sheriff Mendoza on March 7th, there’s currently no sign that anyone was taking care of the house.
For quite some time, Arakawa had been overseeing her husband’s daily routine, organizing his golf outings and social visits with friends, as stated by friend Tom Allin, who has known Hackman for two decades but always found himself conversing with Arakawa whenever they spoke on the phone.
According to Allin, she always took great care to safeguard him, and without her, he likely wouldn’t be alive today.
According to Ashman, friends like us ought to have been reaching out to check on him. Ashman expressed his surprise at not knowing about it, finding it deeply unfortunate. He added that it was particularly tragic as she passed away a week prior. Oh my, what a sad turn of events.
On what seemed like her final day, Arakawa sent an email to her massage therapist early in the morning. In the afternoon, she visited a grocery store, then dropped by a pharmacy before heading to a pet store. The authorities state that she arrived home around 5:15 p.m., and from February 11th onwards, she didn’t respond to any emails.
As a conscientious lifestyle advisor, I would often encourage people to take precautions like wearing masks when venturing out for essential tasks, much like the friend I’m thinking of who does this regularly out of concern for not inadvertently introducing any illnesses to her spouse at home.
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2025-03-11 01:18