Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa died a week apart — Investigators confirm natural causes

Hollywood star Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their home last month. They passed away just a week apart. A medical examiner has confirmed that both died of natural causes, BBC reports.

Hackman died from heart failure with complications from Alzheimer’s disease. On the other hand, Betsy Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but deadly virus that is linked to rodent exposure.

Their deaths occurred in quiet isolation. At the time of death, Gene was 95 and Betsy was 65.

Gene Hackman was a two-time Academy Award-winning actor known for roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven. However, he spent his later years away from Hollywood as he lived a private life in Santa Fe. Betsy had been his partner for over three decades.

Per AP, authorities believe Betsy Arakawa died first, likely on February 11, 2025. It happened after she ran errands that day. Security cameras captured her visiting a pharmacy, a pet store, and a grocery store before returning home.

Her last known communication was also on that day. Gene Hackman was in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease. He is believed to be possibly unaware of her death. His pacemaker data suggests he passed away on February 18, 2025, a week later.

Their bodies were discovered on February 26, 2025, when neighborhood security conducted a welfare check after noticing an 'unusual silence' from the couple’s home. Through a window, maintenance workers spotted the lifeless bodies and called 911, a CNN report suggests.

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Medical findings and investigations surrounding Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's death

The New Mexico Medical Investigator’s Office determined that Hackman died from coronary artery disease. Besides, Alzheimer’s disease played a role as a contributing factor.

His autopsy revealed chronic high blood pressure and a weak physical state. The lack of recent food intake suggested that he may have gone days without eating.

Betsy Arakawa’s death was caused by hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). It is a rare but often fatal disease, which is spread by rodent droppings and urine, CNN reports. Authorities found evidence of rodent activity in outbuildings on the couple’s property. However, the risk inside their home was considered low. Investigators are still working to determine exactly how she contracted the virus.

A sheriff’s affidavit revealed that no signs of forced entry or foul play were found. Toxicology tests ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, and there were no major gas leaks detected.

AP reports about Gene Hackman's condition before his death, chief medical investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell stated,

"He was in a very poor state of health. He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately that’s what resulted in his death. It’s quite possible he was not aware she was deceased."

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa lived out their final years in seclusion, far from the red carpets and flashing cameras that once defined Hackman’s career.

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