ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities on Tuesday released a trove of records related to the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, shedding light on the tragic circumstances surrounding their passing. The couple, who had maintained a private life in Santa Fe, were found dead in their home on February 26, 2025, just days apart from each other. Betsy Arakawa, 65, succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and deadly disease transmitted by rodents, while Gene Hackman, 95, died a week later from heart disease complicated by Alzheimer’s disease.
The investigation report, made public following a court order, detailed some of the last communications and internet searches conducted by Arakawa. It revealed that she had been actively searching for information related to flu-like symptoms and COVID-19 between February 8 and February 12, 2025. In an email to her massage therapist, she mentioned that Hackman had woken up on February 11 with flu or cold-like symptoms, although a COVID-19 test returned negative. Out of caution, she decided to cancel her appointment.
On the morning of February 12, Arakawa searched for a concierge medical service in Santa Fe, indicating her concern for her husband’s health. Investigators noted that she made a brief call to the service but missed a return call later that day. The couple's last known public outings occurred on February 11, when Arakawa visited a grocery store and a pet food store, where she was known to purchase specialty food for their dogs.
According to a report from the New Mexico Department of Public Health, rodent droppings, dead rodents, and nests were discovered in several outbuildings on their property, including garages and sheds. However, the primary residence was deemed safe, showing no signs of rodent activity. The environmental assessment, conducted on March 5, 2025, found evidence of rodents in eight detached buildings but confirmed that the main house was clean.
Authorities believe that Arakawa contracted hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which can lead to severe respiratory issues, from exposure to rodent droppings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the mortality rate for HPS can be as high as 38% if respiratory symptoms develop. Hackman, on the other hand, had been suffering from severe heart disease and advanced Alzheimer’s disease, which likely prevented him from realizing the gravity of the situation in their home.
The couple’s bodies were discovered after a maintenance worker, concerned about Arakawa's unusual silence, went to the home and found her body. Hackman was found shortly thereafter, on the other side of the house. Investigators also found one of their dogs sitting near Arakawa’s body, while another dog was found dead in a crate, likely due to dehydration and starvation.
The couple had three dogs together, two of which survived and have since been placed in loving homes. The surviving dogs were a German Shepherd named Bear and an Akita-shepherd mix named Nikita. The dogs played a crucial role in bringing attention to the couple's dire situation.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, who married in 1991, had chosen to live a quiet life away from the Hollywood spotlight after Hackman’s retirement from acting in 2004. The actor, known for his roles in films such as "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven," expressed his desire to step away from the industry in a 2008 interview, stating, "I haven’t held a press conference to announce retirement, but yes, I’m not going to act any longer." His last film appearance was in the political satire "Welcome to Mooseport" in 2004.
Following their deaths, friends and family gathered for a private funeral and memorial service in Santa Fe. Hackman’s three children from his first marriage were in attendance, reflecting on the couple’s deep bond and the love they shared over more than three decades. In a heartfelt tribute, Hackman's daughter expressed gratitude for Arakawa’s unwavering support in caring for her father, saying, "[Betsy] took very, very good care of him and was always looking out for his health. So I am appreciative to her for that, and I'm very saddened by her passing."
The investigation into the couple’s deaths has raised questions about the environmental conditions on their property and the potential health risks posed by hantavirus. The presence of rodent nests and droppings in nearby outbuildings underscores the importance of awareness regarding such diseases, particularly for those living in rural areas.
As the community mourns the loss of a beloved actor and his devoted wife, the tragic circumstances surrounding their deaths serve as a reminder of the fragility of life and the unexpected challenges that can arise. Gene Hackman, once a towering figure in Hollywood, leaves behind a legacy of remarkable performances and a love story that touched many hearts.
In the wake of this tragedy, the couple's surviving dogs have found new homes, ensuring that their spirit will continue to live on. The Hackman family hopes to keep the memory of both Gene and Betsy alive, cherishing the time they had together and the impact they made on those around them.
