Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe mansion, with investigators determining they died days apart from different causes in a heartbreaking final chapter to the Hollywood legend’s life.
At a Glance
- Gene Hackman (95) died of heart disease with Alzheimer’s as a contributing factor around February 18
- His wife Betsy Arakawa died approximately a week earlier from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
- The couple’s bodies were discovered on February 26 after a caretaker spotted Arakawa through a window
- No signs of foul play were found; one of their three dogs was discovered deceased while another was found guarding Arakawa’s body
- Authorities believe Hackman may not have been aware of his wife’s death due to his Alzheimer’s condition
Tragic Discovery at Santa Fe Home
Authorities discovered the bodies of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa in their Santa Fe, New Mexico residence on February 26. A caretaker made the initial discovery after noticing Arakawa through a window and immediately alerted authorities. Investigators determined that Hackman, who was 95, likely died around February 18, while Arakawa passed away approximately a week earlier, around February 11. The deaths occurred separately and from different causes, creating a tragic timeline of events in the couple’s final days.
Bodycam footage from responding deputies showed a grim scene, with one of the couple’s dogs found guarding Arakawa’s body. Another dog was discovered deceased in a crate, likely from dehydration or starvation, while two others were found alive. The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office released documents and footage as part of their thorough investigation, which included checking for potential gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning, both of which were ruled out.
Different Causes of Death Identified
Medical examiners determined that Hackman died from heart disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a contributing factor. Official documents revealed the severity of his condition, noting his extensive medical history. “Autopsy showed severe atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with placement of coronary artery stents and a bypass graft, as well as a previous aortic valve replacement,” according to official documents from the investigation.
“He was in a very poor state of health. He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately that is what resulted in his death.” – Dr. Heather Jarrell.
Arakawa’s cause of death was determined to be hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but deadly disease transmitted from rodents to humans. The disease has a particularly high mortality rate in the Southwest United States. Investigators assessed the couple’s home for hantavirus risk, finding the main residence was low risk, though other structures on the property showed signs of rodent entry. Hackman’s body was found near the kitchen, while Arakawa’s was discovered near scattered medication.
Rapid Decline Without Medical Intervention
Medical experts explained the typically swift progression of hantavirus without proper medical treatment. Dr. Heather Jarrell noted, “At that point, a person can die very quickly, within 24-48 hours, roughly speaking, without medical treatment. It’s not uncommon to find someone down on the floor as part of a terminal collapse, so to speak, and that may very well have been what happened.” This explanation aligns with the scene investigators encountered upon arrival.
Surveillance footage from local businesses captured Arakawa running errands approximately two weeks before the bodies were discovered. In the footage, she appeared healthy and unaccompanied, giving no indication of the illness that would claim her life shortly thereafter. The investigation revealed no signs of forced entry in the home, supporting the conclusion that the deaths, while tragic, were due to natural causes rather than foul play.
A Private Couple’s Final Days
Sheriff Adan Mendoza acknowledged the couple’s private nature during a press conference about the investigation. “I think everybody here understands that they were very private individuals and a very private family,” he stated. Investigators believe that Hackman, due to his Alzheimer’s condition, may not have been aware of his wife’s passing, adding another layer of tragedy to the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Hackman, who retired from acting in 2004 after a stellar career that included two Academy Awards, was honored posthumously at this year’s Academy Awards for his significant contributions to film. His final days were spent in the Santa Fe home he shared with Arakawa, whom he married in 1991. The couple’s passing marks the end of a chapter in Hollywood history, with Hackman remembered as one of the most versatile and acclaimed actors of his generation.
