Authorities in northern New Mexico have released police body camera video and other public records in the investigation into the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The couple was found dead on February 26, 2025, in their Santa Fe home, with Hackman, 95, succumbing to heart disease complicated by Alzheimer's disease about a week after Arakawa, 65, died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease.
The records detail some of Arakawa's last emails, phone calls, and internet searches, revealing that she was seeking information on flu-like symptoms and breathing techniques in the days leading up to her death. According to the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office, Arakawa's computer showed that between February 8 and the morning of February 12, she was researching medical conditions related to Covid-19 and flu-like symptoms.
On February 10, she emailed her massage therapist to cancel an appointment, explaining that her husband had woken up with flu or cold-like symptoms but had tested negative for Covid. The following day, she ordered oxygen canisters from Amazon for "respiratory support" and made multiple calls to a health clinic on February 12 for medical treatment, which she never received.
Authorities believe Arakawa died around February 12, 2025, and her husband passed away on February 18, 2025. Their bodies were discovered more than a week later by a contractor they had used for years. Hackman's family had not been in contact with the couple for nearly a year and a half prior to their deaths, highlighting the couple's preference for privacy.
Following their deaths, an environmental assessment of the Hackman property revealed signs of rodent activity, including nests and dead rodents in outbuildings, but not in the main house. The New Mexico Department of Health reported finding rodent feces in several areas of the property, which is consistent with the transmission of hantavirus, typically spread through contact with infected rodent droppings.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office has stated that while there was no evidence of forced entry or anything unusual in the home, the property was cluttered with personal items, prescription medications, and dog crates. One of the couple's three dogs was found dead in a crate near Arakawa, while the other two survived and were removed from the property.
In the aftermath of the investigation, Hackman's family expressed concern over the release of the records, citing the couple's right to privacy during this painful time. However, the Santa Fe County manager, Gregory S. Shaffer, explained that the county had a duty to comply with the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act, which mandates transparency in public records.
Dr. Heather Jarrell, the chief medical investigator for New Mexico's Office of the Medical Investigator, explained that hantavirus pulmonary syndrome initially causes flu-like symptoms, which can escalate into severe respiratory distress. "Those who contract HPS after being exposed to rodent excrement often feel ill for roughly three to six days," she said. "Then they can transition to that pulmonary phase, where they have fluid in their lungs and around their lungs. At that point, a person can die very quickly, within 24 to 48 hours, roughly speaking, without medical treatment."
Hackman's death was linked to severe heart disease, with advanced Alzheimer's disease as a contributing factor. His pacemaker showed an abnormal rhythm on February 18, the day he likely died. The couple's bodies were found in different locations within their home, with Arakawa's body discovered in a bathroom and Hackman's in the entryway.
This tragic case has drawn attention to the dangers of hantavirus, particularly as it was the first confirmed case in New Mexico this year. The virus is often reported in spring and summer, usually when people are exposed to mouse droppings in homes, sheds, or poorly ventilated areas. Symptoms can include fatigue, fever, muscle aches, and, in severe cases, respiratory failure.
Gene Hackman, a celebrated actor known for his diverse roles in film, garnered acclaim throughout his career, winning two Academy Awards and appearing in notable movies such as "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven." He had largely stepped away from the public eye in his later years, focusing on writing and painting.
Betsy Arakawa, who was born in Hawaii, was a talented pianist and had a successful career in the arts. She and Hackman had been married for over 30 years, sharing a life that was both private and deeply connected. Their home in Santa Fe, a Pueblo revival style structure valued at over $4 million, was their sanctuary away from the Hollywood spotlight.
As the community grapples with the loss of this iconic couple, the circumstances surrounding their deaths serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the unforeseen dangers that can lurk within the everyday environment. The investigation continues as authorities seek to understand the full scope of events leading to this heartbreaking outcome.
