Hollywood is reeling from the shocking details revealed about the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa. What was initially reported as a mysterious circumstance has now been attributed to natural causes, though the specifics paint a heartbreaking final chapter for the beloved star and his spouse.
At a glance:
- Gene Hackman died of heart disease with Alzheimer’s as a contributing factor
- Betsy Arakawa, Hackman’s wife, died of rare hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
- The couple was found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26
- Officials believe Arakawa died around February 11, with Hackman passing a week later
- No foul play suspected; their home showed evidence of rodent entry which likely contributed to the hantavirus infection
Medical Examiner Reveals Cause of Deaths
The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office has finally released definitive information on what led to the deaths of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa. Officials confirmed in Thursday’s press briefing that Hackman, 94, died from heart disease with Alzheimer’s disease as a contributing factor.
His wife Betsy Arakawa, 70, succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but deadly disease transmitted by rodents. The couple was discovered in their Santa Fe home on February 26, though investigators believe they died weeks earlier.
Authorities will provide updates today in the investigation into the mysterious deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home last week under "suspicious" circumstances. https://t.co/QDCTVoAAuv
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) March 7, 2025
Timeline Reveals Tragic Final Days
Medical examiners determined that Arakawa likely died around February 11, while Hackman passed approximately a week later on February 18. Dr. Heather Jarrell from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator detailed Hackman’s condition during the press conference.
“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. Jarrell stated.
The investigation revealed that Hackman was suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s disease, which likely prevented him from seeking help after his wife’s death. Authorities found evidence that Arakawa had been caring for her ailing husband prior to her sudden illness.
At 2PM we will get an update on the investigation into the deaths of actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog. They were found dead on February 26 at their home in Santa Fe.
We expect to hear from Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, Chief Medical Investigator… pic.twitter.com/OSOZIk6G9z
— Zach Rael (@ZachRaelNews) March 7, 2025
Rare Disease Claims Arakawa
Perhaps the most shocking revelation was Arakawa’s cause of death from hantavirus, a disease with a high mortality rate in the Southwest. Dr. Erin Phipps explained the preventative measures during the briefing, noting that “avoiding contact with or breathing in aerosolized rodent urine or feces, especially in a poorly ventilated area, is key.”
Investigators found evidence of rodent entry in the couple’s home, though the main residence was considered low risk for hantavirus. Dr. Jarrell described how quickly the virus can become fatal, saying, “At that point, a person can die very quickly, within 24-48 hours, roughly speaking, without medical treatment.”
Both victims tested negative for carbon monoxide, and authorities have ruled out foul play in the investigation. Hackman, known for iconic roles in “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven,” was honored posthumously at this year’s Academy Awards ceremony for his contributions to film.
