Authorities have recently updated the timeline regarding the deaths of Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The couple was discovered dead in their New Mexico home on February 26. Initially, it was reported that Betsy passed away on February 11, with Hackman following a week later. However, new findings indicate that Betsy made several calls for medical assistance on February 12, right before her death.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office obtained cell phone data showing Betsy reached out to Cloudberry Health, a local medical clinic. She was seeking help for what she described as congestion, although she did not mention any severe symptoms like shortness of breath. Dr. Josiah Child, who leads Cloudberry Health, noted that Betsy had initially scheduled an appointment for February 12 but canceled a day earlier, citing the need to care for Hackman.
On February 12, Betsy made three calls to the clinic in hopes of getting treatment. Unfortunately, the clinic informed her that she needed to be seen in person since there was no established doctor-patient relationship. She attempted to arrange an appointment but didn’t show up. After making several calls back to the clinic without a response, it seems she did not receive the help she needed.
The medical examiner determined Betsy’s cause of death was hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but serious respiratory condition carried by rodents. Meanwhile, Hackman was determined to have died on February 18, with severe heart disease and advanced Alzheimer’s disease contributing to his passing. Experts suggest that his Alzheimer’s might have clouded his awareness of Betsy’s condition, possibly leading him to experience confusion and grief in the days before his death.
A necropsy also revealed a tragic detail: one of their dogs, recovering from surgery, died from starvation and dehydration while left crated during this time. This underscores the broader impact of the couple’s tragic circumstances.
Following their deaths, Hackman and Arakawa’s estate has taken legal steps to prevent the release of body camera footage and other evidence from their home where their bodies were found. A judge has granted a temporary restraining order, indicating a hearing set for March 31 will further address this legal matter.
These developments in the investigation bring to light not only the personal tragedy of Hackman and Arakawa but also raise questions about medical access and support systems in urgent situations. As the investigation unfolds, their story serves as a somber reminder of how quickly circumstances can change, impacting both individuals and their loved ones.
For additional insights into the effects of Alzheimer’s disease or resources about hantavirus, consider visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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