Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's Deaths: Authorities Reveal Causes

Authorities have disclosed the causes behind the tragic deaths of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who were found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26. Hackman, 95, passed away from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease as a contributing factor. Arakawa, 65, died a week earlier from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome—a rare and severe respiratory illness transmitted through contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva.

During a March 7 press conference, Dr. Heather Jarrell, New Mexico’s chief medical investigator, revealed that Arakawa likely died on February 11. Surveillance footage captured her running errands that day before returning home in the evening. Her death was attributed to hantavirus, which has a high mortality rate and is prevalent in the southwestern United States. Hackman’s death occurred approximately a week later on February 18, as recorded by his pacemaker, which detected abnormal atrial fibrillation before his passing.

Authorities noted that Hackman’s advanced Alzheimer’s may have left him unaware of his wife’s death. “It’s quite possible that he was not aware that [Arakawa] was deceased,” Dr. Jarrell stated. At the time of his death, there was no food in Hackman’s stomach, suggesting he may have been unable to care for himself after her passing.

The couple’s bodies were discovered after neighbors requested a welfare check. Hackman was found in a mudroom near his cane, while Arakawa was located on the bathroom floor next to scattered prescription pills and a space heater. One of their three dogs was also found deceased in a nearby closet, though authorities clarified that dogs cannot contract hantavirus. The couple’s two other dogs were found alive—one inside the bathroom with Arakawa and the other outside the home.

Initial investigations ruled out foul play and carbon monoxide poisoning as factors in their deaths. The circumstances were described as “suspicious enough” to warrant further investigation at first; however, both deaths were ultimately classified as natural causes.

Hackman retired from acting in 2004 after an illustrious career that included two Academy Awards for The French Connection and Unforgiven. He married Arakawa, a classical pianist, in 1991 after divorcing his first wife, Faye Maltese. Hackman is survived by his three children from his first marriage: Christopher Allen Hackman, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, and Leslie Anne Allen.

In a statement shared by Hackman’s daughters and granddaughter Annie, the family expressed their grief: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy. He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”

The deaths of Hackman and Arakawa serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by hantavirus and the challenges faced by those living with Alzheimer’s disease. Their loss marks the end of an era for one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors and his devoted partner of over three decades.