The news of Gene Hackman’s death shocked the world. People were heartbroken to learn that the Oscar-winning actor had passed away, along with his wife, Betsy Arakawa. As more details emerge, the picture of events leading up to their passing is becoming clearer, revealing a heartbreaking timeline of their final days.
Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, was last seen alive in a surveillance video captured on February 11. According to a timeline of events catalogued by USA Today, this was the last recorded image of her before she reportedly passed away on the same day. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s office confirmed during a news conference that Arakawa was wearing a mask in the footage due to her concerns over Hantavirus, the rare and often fatal disease that ultimately claimed her life. The video showed her walking through the aisles of a CVS Pharmacy in Santa Fe.
One notable detail that raised concerns was that Arakawa did not pick up medication for the couple’s dog, a detail that was later confirmed in USA Today’s report. The lack of activity from her after this point suggested that something tragic had already taken place within their home.
On February 26, the bodies of Hackman, Arakawa, and their dog were discovered inside their residence. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed in a press conference that both Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning, ruling out earlier speculations of a gas leak.
Dr. Heather Jarrell, the Chief Medical Examiner for New Mexico, stated that Arakawa, 65, succumbed to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. No signs of trauma were found, and her death was officially classified as being due to natural causes. Hantavirus is known to cause flu-like symptoms and is contracted through exposure to rodent droppings. The specific strain that affected Arakawa has a high mortality rate, ranging between 38% and 50%.
Gene Hackman, 95, was determined to have passed away from hypertensive, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease listed as a contributing factor. His pacemaker provided crucial insight into the timeline of his death, showing cardiac activity on February 17 and an abnormal rhythm the following day. This suggests that he likely passed on February 18, approximately a week after his wife’s death. Investigators believe that due to his advanced Alzheimer’s, he may not have been fully aware of what had happened to Arakawa, leaving him unable to seek help or process the situation.
Records indicate that Arakawa picked up the couple’s dog from the veterinarian on February 9. The dog was later found deceased in his crate alongside the couple when their bodies were discovered, providing further context for why he was still confined.
Arakawa’s final movements have been carefully traced. On February 11, she visited a farmer’s market before being seen on surveillance video at CVS Pharmacy between 4:12 and 4:20 p.m. Afterward, she made a stop at a pet food store before driving home. Security footage captured her car entering their subdivision at 5:15 p.m., marking the last recorded sighting of her. Authorities found no further activity from Arakawa after that point.
This tragedy has left many mourning the loss of a Hollywood legend and his devoted wife. Their deaths, occurring just days apart, paint a heartbreaking picture of two lives intertwined until the very end. As friends, fans, and family grieve, their love story and legacy continue to be remembered.
