Breaking Update: Key Revelations from Investigators on the Deaths of Gene Hackman and His Wife – What You Need to Know

Gene Hackman has passed away due to complications from heart disease, and he likely lived for several days after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from a rare illness. This information was shared by authorities recently, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths.

The story has captivated the public and led to a push for answers after maintenance workers discovered their bodies and their dog’s on February 26th. They were found in separate rooms, and there were no immediate signs of trauma.

Medical examiners made an unusual move by releasing preliminary findings about the deaths, responding to the rising public interest. “It’s uncommon for the Office of the Medical Investigator to comment on cases like this, but the situation warranted it,” said New Mexico’s Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Heather Jarrell.

The bodies were discovered when two maintenance workers noticed them through the windows and called the police. Hackman’s body was found near the kitchen. Arakawa was found in the bathroom, with medication scattered nearby. The condition of their remains indicates they had been deceased for several days, possibly weeks.

While some details have emerged, key questions remain unanswered, such as whether Hackman was aware of his wife’s passing and why their dog was found in a crate. The investigation is ongoing.

Here’s what we know so far:

Autopsies revealed that both died of natural causes, but from different conditions. They likely died several days apart.

Hackman probably passed away on February 18, as his pacemaker last recorded a heartbeat that day. The device indicated he was experiencing an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation.

He had high blood pressure and significant heart disease, compounded by advanced Alzheimer’s disease, which contributed to his health decline.

Betsy Arakawa, last seen about a week before, succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a serious illness linked to a rare virus carried by rodents.

The medication found near Arakawa was thyroid medication she had been prescribed and is not linked to her death.

There were no signs of external injuries on either body, and they both tested negative for COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. Investigators ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as a cause.

Evidence suggests that Betsy died before Hackman, possibly leaving him unaware of her death due to his Alzheimer’s. “He may not have realized she was gone,” Dr. Jarrell explained, noting Hackman’s poor health.

Betsy was last heard from on February 11 when she held a brief email exchange with her massage therapist. Surveillance footage showed her visiting local stores that day, but she never returned to public view after 5:15 PM.

Investigators found that her email activity ceased on February 11, and there was no record of communication from Hackman either.

While it’s uncertain how Betsy contracted the hantavirus, symptoms can take up to two months to appear. They usually start with fever and aches and can escalate to severe respiratory issues.

The hantavirus commonly comes from contact with deer mice, especially through their droppings or urine, and it does not spread between people.

In New Mexico, there have been 136 reported cases of hantavirus, with almost half resulting in death. Health officials checked the couple’s property and found little risk of exposure inside the home, but there was evidence of rodents in other areas.

Even with much of the investigation complete, it remains open as authorities gather more information, such as accessing the couple’s phones to see if they can provide clues about their last days.

The couple’s dog was also found deceased near Betsy’s body. It had undergone a medical procedure days prior, which could explain why it was in a crate. Investigators are looking into whether the dog might have died from starvation.

Fortunately, the couple’s other two dogs were found safe and were able to move around the house freely.

Authorities believe they have answered many questions about the couple’s deaths, but are awaiting further details before closing the case. “Most of the questions have been addressed,” the sheriff noted, “though we still need to check their phones.”

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