SANTA FE, N.M. — The official causes of death for legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have been released, putting an end to speculation following their unexpected passing last month.
At a press conference on Friday, Dr. Heather Jarrell, New Mexico’s chief medical examiner, stated that Hackman, 95, succumbed to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiac disease, with Alzheimer’s disease being a significant contributing factor. Arakawa, 65, was determined to have died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but serious illness found in rodents native to the region.
Timeline and Discovery of Their Deaths
The couple was discovered inside their Santa Fe home on February 26, after authorities conducted a welfare check. Hackman was found in the mudroom near a cane and sunglasses, while Arakawa’s body was located on a bathroom floor next to a space heater. Investigators also found one of their dogs deceased inside the home.
Medical Findings and Circumstances
An initial examination revealed no external or internal trauma on either individual, and toxicology reports ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning. Authorities confirmed that Arakawa likely died days before Hackman.
- Email and surveillance records showed she was last active on February 11, but no communication followed after that.
- Hackman’s pacemaker recorded activity until February 17, with irregularities detected on February 18, suggesting he passed about a week after his wife.
Authorities acknowledged the possibility that Hackman, who had advanced Alzheimer’s disease, may not have realized his wife had passed.
A prescription bottle of thyroid medication was found near Arakawa, with pills scattered on the bathroom counter, but officials determined they were taken as prescribed and unrelated to her death.
The Role of Hantavirus and Other Factors
Hantavirus, which is spread through exposure to infected rodents and their droppings, is uncommon but has been recorded in 136 cases in New Mexico over the past 50 years, with a 42% fatality rate, according to New Mexico State Veterinarian Erin Phipps.
Investigators are still awaiting necropsy results for the couple’s deceased dog, though Phipps confirmed that hantavirus does not affect dogs.
Additionally, gas leaks were reported in the home by New Mexico Gas Company during a recent inspection, but officials stated that these were minor and not a factor in the couple’s deaths.
A Storied Career and Private Life
Hackman, a two-time Academy Award-winning actor, was known for iconic roles in films such as The French Connection, Hoosiers, and Superman. He stepped away from Hollywood in the early 2000s, dedicating his retirement to painting and writing novels.
Arakawa, a classically trained pianist, studied at USC and met Hackman in the 1980s while working at a California gym. The two were known for living a private life in Santa Fe, investing in local businesses and contributing to cultural institutions, including the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, where Hackman served on the board of trustees.
The deaths of Hackman and Arakawa mark the end of an era for fans and those who knew them personally. Authorities have closed their investigation, and no further updates are expected .
