The tragic deaths of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have taken a heartbreaking turn as medical investigators confirm the cause of their passing.
Authorities in New Mexico revealed that Arakawa succumbed to a rare infectious disease, while Hackman, who had been battling advanced Alzheimer’s, passed away from heart disease. Their bodies, along with one of their pet dogs, were discovered at their home in Santa Fe on February 26, leaving many questions about the circumstances of their final days.
During a press conference on Friday, Dr. Heather Jarrell, the chief medical investigator for New Mexico, provided further insights into the findings from post-mortem examinations.
According to Dr. Jarrell, 82-year-old Betsy Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and often fatal disease transmitted through exposure to infected rodent droppings. There were no indications of trauma or foul play, and her death was ruled as natural.
Investigators believe Arakawa likely passed away on February 11, based on the last recorded email communication she had with others. This timeline suggests that she may have been suffering from the disease for days before succumbing to it.
Symptoms of hantavirus can take anywhere from one to eight weeks to manifest, and in severe cases, it leads to respiratory failure. Tragically, Arakawa’s death marked the only confirmed hantavirus case in New Mexico in 2025.
Gene Hackman, the Oscar-winning actor known for his powerful performances, is believed to have died nearly a week after his wife. Dr. Jarrell explained that data retrieved from his pacemaker indicated that his heart stopped beating on February 18.
Given the severity of his Alzheimer’s, it is possible that Hackman was unaware of his wife’s passing and remained in the home with her for days before his own death.
“Hantavirus is an incredibly rare disease, and in New Mexico, we only recorded seven cases last year,” Dr. Jarrell stated. “Unfortunately, Mrs. Arakawa’s case proved fatal. Meanwhile, Mr. Hackman’s passing was due to heart disease, a condition that had likely been progressing for some time.”
Tests confirmed that Hackman did not contract hantavirus, ruling out any connection between his wife’s illness and his death.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza also addressed the media, confirming that investigators are still examining data from mobile phones recovered at the residence. However, he noted that authorities do not anticipate any significant new findings.
“Based on everything we have seen so far, there is no indication of anything suspicious,” Mendoza explained. “Mr. Hackman did not seem to use a mobile phone or any digital communication devices regularly, and the couple led a very private life.”
Further complicating the tragic scenario, one of the couple’s pet dogs was also found deceased inside the home. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the animal’s death, though they confirmed that Arakawa had taken the dog to a veterinarian on February 9 for a medical procedure. Investigators believe the pet may have been recovering in its crate at the time of Arakawa’s death.
Meanwhile, two other dogs were found alive and wandering inside the home. Sheriff Mendoza suggested that the deceased pet’s condition could explain why it was confined while the others were free to roam.
“We believe that Mrs. Arakawa had recently picked up the dog after a medical procedure, which might explain why it was in a crate,” Mendoza said. “But as for the exact cause of its death, that remains undetermined.”
Hackman’s death marks the end of an era for Hollywood, as he was widely regarded as one of the finest actors of his generation. The legendary performer was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning Best Actor for The French Connection in 1972 and Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven in 1992.
Despite his retirement from acting in the early 2000s, his legacy continued to inspire generations of filmmakers and performers.
At the 2025 Academy Awards, just days after news of his passing broke, fellow actor Morgan Freeman paid an emotional tribute to Hackman. “A community lost a giant, and I lost a dear friend,” Freeman said during the ceremony, his voice heavy with emotion.
The tribute underscored the immense respect Hackman commanded in the entertainment industry and the deep personal loss felt by those who knew him.
Hackman and Arakawa had been together for nearly four decades. The couple first met in the mid-1980s, during a time when Hackman was transitioning into the later stages of his career. Arakawa, a talented concert pianist, became his partner in life, and they married in 1991.
Their union remained strong throughout the years, with the couple largely staying out of the public eye as they built a quiet life together in New Mexico.
Now, as investigations draw to a close, the world remembers Gene Hackman not just for his cinematic brilliance but for the life he shared with Betsy Arakawa. Their story, filled with love and tragedy, has touched many, reminding the world of the fleeting nature of life and the enduring impact of a legendary artist.
Though they are gone, Hackman’s work and legacy will continue to live on, cherished by fans and film historians for generations to come.
