Staff Writer: Aliyah Santana
Email: asantana5@umassd.edu
Actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, renowned pianist Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on February 26, 2025.
They were discovered during a wellness check after a maintenance worker expressed concern over their out-of-the-ordinary absence. Upon entry, authorities found Hackman’s body in the foyer and Arkawa’s in the bathroom, both appearing to have “suddenly fallen” and stayed there.
They both showed signs that indicated they had been deceased for several days.
Gene Hackman was an American actor with a four-decade-long career. Born in 1930 in California, he was raised primarily by his mother. He had one younger brother, Richard, who was also an actor.
Hackman’s portrayal of Jimmy ‘Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. He won a second Oscar for Best Supporting Actor as the sheriff in Unforgiven.
Betsy Arakawa was born in 1959. She was a talented pianist and devoted wife. Originally from Hawaii, she pursued a career in classical music before transitioning into co-owning a home furnishing store in Santa Fe.
Despite Hackman’s Hollywood fame, Arakawa maintained a private life and supported Hackman through his battle with Alzheimer’s later in life.
Investigators found no evidence of foul play, no signs of forced entry, and initial tests ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning.
But the circumstances of their death still didn’t add up.
The Hackmans had three dogs that lived on the property as well, yet only one of the dogs, an Australian Kelpie, was found dead in a crate near Arakawa’s body. The 12-year-old Zinna had recently undergone a medical procedure.
When other dogs are living in the same home, vets usually recommend keeping the dogs crated or away from the other dogs for their own medical benefit. Unfortunately, Zinna died due to dehydration.
Their other dogs, Bear and Nikita, were found alive and wandering around the home.
Initial autopsy results showed no external traumas to either Hackman or Arakawa.
Later autopsies revealed that Arakawa’s death was due to the Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a rare but life-threatening disease that affects the lungs. It is caused by a group of viruses that are spread by rodents. It can be transmitted through the inhalation of dust that is contaminated with urine, droppings, or saliva of rodents that are infected.
The HPS virus causes flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and cough that can progress to shortness of breath and heart and lung failure.
Dr. Erin Phipps, a state public health veterinarian with the New Mexico Health Department, talked with CBS News reporters about the Hantavirus. “Dogs cannot die from the virus, and it is likely that the dog died from dehydration or starvation due to Hackman’s confusion.”
Hackman, who was found in the foyer near the kitchen, passed from a significant heart disease known as Hypertensive Atherosclerosis Cardiovascular Disease with Alzheimer’s as a contributing factor.
Based on the last activity from his pacemaker, officials say it is likely that he had died on February 17, while his wife appeared to have passed on February 11.
Fox News held an interview with Forensic Pathologist Dr. Micheal Baden, who theorized what Hackman’s final days looked like.
“I think what happened here is he didn’t realize it and didn’t understand that she was dead.”
Dr. Baden theorized that Hackman had wandered around for days, not understanding during his autopsy, they could tell Hackman hadn’t eaten for a few days but showed no signs of dehydration.
Caregivers play a crucial role in supporting the well-being of their loved ones. However, their own emotional and physical health can be overlooked in the process. It is essential to check in on caregivers as well.