SANTA FE, N.M. — Forensic experts have unveiled the sad circumstances surrounding the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. Hackman, 95, passed away from heart disease complicated by Alzheimer’s, just one week after his wife’s death from a rare rodent-borne illness, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, at their home in Santa Fe.
The couple’s bodies were discovered on February 26 by maintenance and security staff. Authorities reported that Arakawa likely died on February 11 after contracting hantavirus, a severe disease transmitted through infected rodent droppings.
Tragically, it appears that Hackman, suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s, was unaware of his wife’s passing in the days leading up to his own death. Chief medical investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell noted his serious heart condition ultimately led to his demise. “He was in a very poor state of health,” she stated, adding that he might not have realized she was gone.
Both deaths have been classified as natural causes. Sheriff Adan Mendoza mentioned that Arakawa’s last outing was on February 11, when she handled errands. Following that day, she ceased responding to emails, and cell phone activity has not been fully examined.
On February 18, Hackman’s pacemaker indicated signs of abnormal heart activity, marking the day he likely died. His body was found in the entryway of their home, while Arakawa’s was in a bathroom. The dry climate of Santa Fe contributed to the mummification of their remains.
The revelations shocked the Santa Fe community. Local business owner Stuart Ashman expressed sadness over the situation, wishing they had checked in on him more often. It’s a sobering reminder of how critical companionship is, especially for those facing health challenges.
Experts believe Hackman was unable to comprehend his wife’s death due to the effects of Alzheimer’s. For many older adults with dementia, home living is common, often relying on family or friends for care. The hantavirus primarily circulates in warmer months, with most U.S. cases appearing in western states. This case in New Mexico was the first confirmed instance of hantavirus this year.
The couple had three dogs, and one, a kelpie mix named Zinna, was found dead. Two other dogs survived. According to Erin Phipps from the New Mexico Health Department, dogs are not susceptible to hantavirus. A necropsy will be performed on Zinna as part of the ongoing investigation.
Throughout his celebrated career, Hackman starred in iconic films like “The French Connection,” “Hoosiers,” and “Superman.” After retiring in the early 2000s, he focused on painting and writing and was actively involved in the local community, even serving on the board of trustees at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.
Arakawa, who met Hackman in the mid-1980s while working at a gym, had a background in music, having studied as a concert pianist. Their partnership highlighted a life filled with creativity and mutual support, now marked by tragedy.
This account has been updated to clarify that heart disease was one of the causes of Hackman’s death, rather than heart failure.
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