SANTA FE, N.M. — The deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been shrouded in mystery, but authorities in New Mexico have now released the official causes.
Hackman, 95, passed away from heart disease, with Alzheimer's contributing to his death. His wife, Arakawa, 65, tragically died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but deadly infection transmitted by rodent droppings.
Hackman’s death occurred a full week after Arakawa’s, and experts believe he was likely unaware of her passing due to his advanced Alzheimer's disease.
Timeline of Events Leading to Their Deaths:
February 11:
Arakawa's last known activities were recorded on this date. She communicated with a massage therapist in the morning, visited several stores in the afternoon, and returned home around 5:15 p.m. to the gated Santa Fe home she shared with Hackman. Investigators believe this was the day of her death, with symptoms of hantavirus possibly developing before her passing.
February 17-18:
Hackman’s pacemaker data provided insight into his condition. On February 17, initial cardiac activity was recorded, followed by signs of an abnormal heart rhythm — atrial fibrillation — on February 18. Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell stated that it’s reasonable to conclude that Hackman passed away around February 18, a few days before Arakawa was discovered.
February 26:
A maintenance worker arrived at the couple’s home for routine work but was unable to enter. Concerned, he called a security worker, who then spotted two bodies inside the house. Police were called, and they found Hackman’s body in an entryway and Arakawa’s in a bathroom. The couple’s dog, Zinna, was also found dead in a closet. Authorities initially suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, but tests ruled that out. No foul play was detected.
February 27-28:
The autopsies were performed on both Hackman and Arakawa. Preliminary results showed no obvious causes of death and ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning. The bodies were reportedly in a state of decomposition, indicating they had been dead for some time before discovery.
March 7:
After further investigation, authorities confirmed the causes of death. Hackman’s passing was attributed to heart disease, with Alzheimer’s disease playing a significant role. Arakawa’s death was officially linked to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and potentially fatal disease contracted through exposure to infected rodent droppings.
A Rare Disease and Its Tragic Impact
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, while rare, has proven to be fatal for some individuals exposed to contaminated environments, particularly in rural or wooded areas. Arakawa’s death from this disease highlights the hidden dangers that can lie in ordinary environments.
The Mystery of the Dog's Death
The couple’s dog, Zinna, a kelpie mix, was found dead in the home. Zinna had recently been treated at a veterinary clinic, but the cause of death remains under investigation. A necropsy will help determine whether the dog’s death was related to the same hantavirus exposure that claimed Arakawa’s life. Two other healthy dogs were found on the property, one inside and one outside the home.
Forensic Pathologist Weighs In
Forensic pathologist Dr. Victor Weedn, who was not involved in the investigation, commented on the case: “It seemed such a great mystery to the entire nation. I believe they really discovered what truly happened in this case.”
Final Thoughts on the Tragic Deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa
The deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa are a heart-wrenching reminder of the complexity of health conditions and the unexpected challenges life can present.
Hackman’s advanced Alzheimer’s likely meant he was unaware of the death of his wife, and his own heart disease led to his passing shortly after hers. Meanwhile, Arakawa's death from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome underscores the dangers of a rare and often unpredictable disease.
The case captivated the nation, raising questions about what had happened inside the couple’s home. Now, with the causes of death officially confirmed, the story offers a tragic conclusion to a deeply mysterious situation.
EXPLAINER: What is Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)?
