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Gene Hackman’s Wife Betsy Arakawa Died of Natural Causes Almost a Week Before Him
Image: Getty / Donaldson Collection
Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa’s bodies were found in their Santa Fe home on February 26, igniting discussions and speculation regarding their deaths. Previous reports labeled their deaths as suspicious enough to warrant an investigation. Authorities revealed that the couple had been dead for ‘some time’ and were discovered in separate rooms, leading to an extensive investigation.
In a press conference held on March 7, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell confirmed the cause of death for both individuals. Dr. Jarrell stated that Arakawa, aged 65 at the time of her passing, suffered from Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, indicating that the manner of her death was natural. “Autopsy examination and full body post mortem CT demonstrated no findings of trauma internally or externally, with microscopic findings consistent with Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome,” she noted, adding that laboratory tests confirmed Hantavirus’s presence. Other common respiratory viruses including Covid-19 and influenza were ruled out.
In regard to Hackman, aged 95, Dr. Jarrell disclosed that his death was attributed to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease identified as a significant contributory factor. “Autopsy examination and a full body post-mortem CT examination showed severe heart disease, severe kidney damage due to chronic high blood pressure, and multiple surgical procedures related to the heart,” Dr. Jarrell explained.
Importantly, “Laboratory testing was negative for Covid-19, influenza, and other common respiratory viruses,” she elaborated, while also noting there were no findings indicative of Hantavirus infection in Hackman.
Dr. Jarrell provided context regarding the timeline of the couple’s deaths. She indicated that initial cardiac activity from Hackman’s pacemaker recorded February 17, and an abnormal heart rhythm was observed on February 18, suggesting he likely passed around that date. Betsy Arakawa was thought to have passed earlier, likely on February 11, based on the circumstances surrounding her last known activities. “Hantavirus infection typically presents with flu-like symptoms and can lead to severe respiratory and cardiac complications,” she warned.
The investigation remains open, according to Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, who emphasized that thorough examinations are underway to ensure all loose ends are tied up and no stone is left unturned in the inquiry into the couple’s tragic demise.
In a statement, Hackman’s daughters Elizabeth and Leslie, along with his granddaughter Annie, expressed their devastation at the loss: “He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”
This unfolding tragedy has made waves across media platforms, igniting not only interest in the investigation but reflections on the couple’s previously private life. They had lived quietly after relocating to Santa Fe, a decision that helped them maintain their solitude away from the public eye.
