Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman was found dead on February 26, 2025, in his lavish mansion in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Along with the actor, his wife Betsy Arakawa's body was also discovered in the house. However, it was not the day when the couple passed away.
Arakawa is believed to have passed away on February 12, while Hackman died around February 17. The causes of their tragic deaths are reportedly different. According to reports, Arakawa, who was a classical pianist, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), which is linked to rodents. It can be caused by coming into contact with the droppings, urine, or saliva of infected rodents.
On the other hand, Hackman, who was 95 at the time of his death, died due to high blood pressure and heart disease. He allegedly suffered from hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. He also had advanced Alzheimer's disease, which contributed to his death.
Reports confirmed that the actor's pacemaker stopped on February 17, which is why he reportedly died on that day. The couple was in separate rooms. While Gene Hackman was found near the kitchen, his wife's body was discovered in the bathroom.
According to a report by TMZ, the New Mexico Department of Public Health found dead rodents, nests, and droppings in eight buildings on the couple's mansion property in Santa Fe. The investigation and assessment began after the couple's bodies were found.
The rodent feces were found in three sheds, garages, two homes, and vehicles. The garages were detached from the main building. However, the couple's main house did not have any signs of infestation by rodents. They were also aware of the issue, as traps were discovered around the property.
New Mexico Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell revealed that it could be possible that Gene Hackman was unaware of his wife's death due to his poor mental state.
How did Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa meet?
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were together for more than three decades before their tragic deaths. The couple's paths crossed in the 1980s after Hackman's divorce from Faye Maltese was allegedly finalized. Arakawa worked part-time at a fitness center and met her future husband there.
It did not take much time for the couple to fall for one another. While they had a significant age difference, it did not matter to them. By 1989, the two had settled down in Santa Fe, far away from Hollywood.
In 1991, the couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony. Following their wedding, Hackman transitioned from acting to writing due to his health struggles. Arakawa supported him in his new venture, and he always gave her due credit for the same. Despite their 32-year age gap, the two never failed to give off couple goals.
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They usually chose to stay private about their personal lives, but sometimes shared a few anecdotes in interviews. Last year, the couple was spotted at a restaurant. Their public appearance was a rare one, and they were also photographed.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa did not have children. However, the late actor had three children from his first marriage: Christopher Allen Hackman, Leslie Anne Hackman, and Elizabeth Jean Hackman.
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