In a tragic revelation, authorities in New Mexico uncovered the partially mummified remains of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, in their Santa Fe mansion. The grim discovery, made on February 26, 2025, unveiled a scene that bore the hallmarks of both a cluttered Hollywood memorabilia museum and a hoarder’s lair, painting a haunting portrait of the couple's final days.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office released a series of photos and videos from the scene, showcasing the chaotic condition of the home. Some rooms resembled a bomb site, while others appeared eerily frozen in time, untouched and meticulously arranged. Deputies were seen combing through the property, where one of the couple’s three dogs remained loyally beside Arakawa’s body. Hackman’s body was discovered in another wing of the expansive mansion, a space only reachable after navigating through several disheveled rooms.
“They say they’re very private people, like very,” one deputy remarked, a stark understatement given the circumstances. The home was cluttered with clothes strewn across chairs, dry cleaning still bagged and crammed into closets, and rotting fruit left to decay on the kitchen counter. Prescription bottles littered the scene, including Hackman’s thyroid medication and other drugs, alongside Arakawa’s own thyroid meds.
In the days leading up to their deaths, Arakawa, a 65-year-old pianist, was actively searching online for information regarding flu and COVID-19 symptoms. Her final email to a massage therapist indicated that Hackman had awoken on February 11 with flu-like symptoms but had tested negative for COVID-19. Out of caution, she rescheduled her appointment. On February 12, she made her last search for a Santa Fe healthcare provider.
Tragically, Arakawa succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease transmitted by rodents, while Hackman passed away just days later on February 18, from complications related to heart disease and advanced Alzheimer’s. The couple’s bodies were discovered by maintenance and security workers who alerted local authorities after noticing the home’s disarray.
The investigation report also revealed that the New Mexico Department of Public Health found evidence of rodent activity on the property, including nests and dead rodents in outbuildings. However, no signs of rodent activity were detected inside the home itself. The hantavirus, which can cause severe respiratory distress, is often contracted through exposure to rodent droppings or urine.
Amidst the chaos, some areas of the home appeared untouched, as if waiting for the couple to return. One haunting detail included an open COVID-19 test kit found alongside an email from Arakawa discussing her husband’s health concerns. “So, G woke up today with flu/cold-like symptoms, did a covid test, negative,” she wrote. “But out of an abundance of caution, I should cancel my appt. tomorrow and rebook.”
In the aftermath of the couple’s deaths, their family sought to keep the investigation records private, citing their desire for privacy during a painful time. However, news organizations challenged this under New Mexico’s Inspection of Public Records Act. County officials expressed the difficulty of balancing the family’s privacy with the public’s right to information.
According to Gregory S. Shaffer, the county manager, “On the one hand, we deeply understand the family's need for privacy during this painful time. On the other, the County has a duty to follow the law.” Ultimately, the records were released, providing a sobering glimpse into the couple’s final days.
As the investigation unfolded, it became evident that Hackman’s Alzheimer’s disease may have prevented him from realizing that his wife had passed away. Their bodies were found in separate areas of the house, leading officers to comment on the strangeness of the situation. “Two totally separate areas of the house,” one officer remarked, highlighting the bizarre circumstances of their deaths.
In a heartbreaking twist, one of the couple’s dogs, Zinna, was found dead in a crate near Arakawa’s body, having died from starvation and dehydration. The couple’s other two dogs were discovered alive, with one found near Arakawa’s body in the bathroom.
As the investigation continues, the tragic story of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the unforeseen challenges that can arise in the twilight years. Their legacy, marked by Hackman’s illustrious career and the couple’s long-lasting bond, now stands juxtaposed against the stark reality of their final days.
While the couple sought a quiet life away from the limelight, their story has drawn significant attention, prompting discussions about the impact of health issues, the challenges faced by aging individuals, and the importance of seeking medical help when needed. The heartbreaking circumstances surrounding their deaths serve as a poignant reminder of the need for compassion and understanding in the face of life’s unpredictable challenges.
