Empire State Review Team 
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa: Official Cause of Death Confirmed
Recent updates from Santa Fe officials have shed light on the tragic deaths of renowned actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who were discovered deceased in their home in Santa Fe on February 26. The couple was not alone; they were found alongside one of their dogs.
Cause of Death for Betsy Arakawa
At a press conference held on March 2, Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell disclosed that Betsy Arakawa, aged 65, succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Authorities believe that Arakawa passed away first, with her last known activities occurring on February 11, where she was seen at several local businesses.
The timeline indicates that Arakawa engaged in an email exchange prior to her final public appearances. Surveillance footage provides a clearer picture of her last movements:
- Email correspondence at 11:20 a.m. with her massage therapist.
- Shopping at Sprouts Farmers Market between 3:30 and 4:15 p.m.
- Visiting a CVS Pharmacy at 4:20 p.m.
- Stopping at a pet food store at approximately 4:54 p.m.
Arakawa returned to her subdivision around 5:15 p.m., after which there was no further activity recorded.
Hantavirus infection, primarily transmitted by rodent excretions, can lead to severe illness characterized by flu-like symptoms that may escalate quickly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight that such infections are uncommon in New Mexico, with an average of 1 to 7 cases reported each year. Alarmingly, 42% of cases in the state have resulted in fatalities.
Gene Hackman’s Cause of Death
Gene Hackman, who was 95 at the time of his passing, died of heart disease, with Alzheimer’s disease cited as a significant contributing factor. According to the medical analysis, he likely passed away on approximately February 18, several days following Arakawa’s death.
The details surrounding Hackman’s health reveal a history of serious medical issues. Autopsy findings exhibited severe heart disease, including evidence of prior heart attacks and the impacts of chronic high blood pressure. Dr. Jarrell indicated that Hackman was in an advanced state of Alzheimer’s, which may have left him unaware of his wife’s demise.
Both bodies exhibited signs of decomposition, with one of Hackman’s found in the home’s entryway and Arakawa’s located in a bathroom. Notably, investigators reported no signs of trauma on either body.
Conclusion
This update has brought clarity to the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, a couple known for their deep connection and shared life together. Their passing serves as a poignant reminder of the unexpected challenges that can arise, even in the quietest of settings.
Sources
This article draws upon information from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, and various news outlets, including the Associated Press.
