The shocking discovery of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa’s bodies in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in late February resulted in wide-spread speculation about what may have caused their deaths.
Finally on Friday, March 7, the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator provided detailed findings on their deaths.
The couple was discovered deceased on February 26, but it was revealed they did not die on the same day.
Arakawa, 65, was last seen alive on February 11, 2025, when surveillance footage captured her visiting a local CVS pharmacy and a pet store before returning home. Her final email communications also occurred that day.
According to Dr. Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Investigator, Arakawa likely died later that day from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare and often fatal respiratory disease transmitted by infected rodents. While no signs of indoor rodent activity were noted, evidence of such activity was observed outside the home.
Hackman, 95, was found in a different part of the house. His pacemaker recorded its last activity on February 17, 2025, suggesting he died on that date.
Autopsy results revealed he suffered from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributing factor.
Authorities say he may not have been aware that his wife had died, due to his Alzheimer’s.
The couple’s bodies were discovered by maintenance workers who had not been in contact with them for about two weeks. Initial examinations found no external trauma, and carbon monoxide poisoning had earlier been ruled out after tests returned negative.
One of their three dogs, an Australian Kelpie mix, was also found deceased, while the other two were alive. The deceased dog was found inside a crate.
The New Mexico Department of Health has been notified due to the hantavirus diagnosis. Although the disease is relatively rare, it can be fatal in up to 42% of cases.
Gene Hackman was renowned for his roles in films such as “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven,” earning two Academy Awards during his illustrious career. He and Arakawa had resided in Santa Fe for decades, maintaining a private life away from Hollywood.
In the wake of Hackman’s passing, the film industry has come together to honor the legacy of the esteemed actor. At the 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, Hackman’s longtime friend and collaborator, Morgan Freeman, delivered a heartfelt tribute.
Freeman, who shared the screen with Hackman in “Unforgiven” and “Under Suspicion,” spoke of Hackman’s generosity as a performer and his ability to elevate the work of those around him.
He recalled Hackman’s humble perspective on his career, stating, “Gene always said, ‘I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.'” Freeman concluded with, “I think I speak for us all when I say, ‘Gene, you will be remembered for that, and so much more. Rest in peace, my friend.'”
Beyond the Oscars, fellow actors and filmmakers have expressed their admiration for Hackman’s contributions to cinema. Clint Eastwood, who directed Hackman in “Unforgiven,” described him as a dear friend and one of the finest actors, noting his intense and instinctive performances that never struck a false note.
Francis Ford Coppola, who directed Hackman in “The Conversation,” also paid tribute, reflecting Hackman’s remarkable talent and his indelible mark on the film industry.
Fans worldwide have taken to social media to share their favorite Hackman performances, from his Oscar-winning role in “The French Connection” to his portrayal of Lex Luthor in the original “Superman” films.
