Authorities have released police body camera footage and other public records related to the investigation into the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26. Hackman, aged 95, succumbed to heart disease with Alzheimer’s disease as a complicating factor, approximately a week after Arakawa, aged 65, died of hantavirus.
The released records provide insights into Arakawa’s final days, highlighting her emails, phone calls, and internet searches focused on flu-like symptoms and breathing techniques. These documents were made public following a court ruling, which mandated that any visual content showing the couple’s bodies be obscured. The records reveal that between February 8 and the morning of February 12, Arakawa searched for medical information related to COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms. Her communication included an email to her masseuse on February 11, informing them of Hackman’s illness and rescheduling her appointment. The morning of February 12 showed her exploring a medical concierge service in Santa Fe, though a call with the service was brief and a return call was missed.
Police body camera footage, although redacted, showed no signs of forced entry or disturbances in the home’s contents. Investigators noted the presence of prescription medications and the sound of one of the couple’s dogs barking. Initially, all investigation materials were sealed by a court order due to privacy concerns raised by Hackman’s estate and Arakawa’s mother. Media outlets intervened, agreeing not to distribute images of the couple’s bodies, allowing records to be released.
The deaths were attributed to natural causes, as stated by the chief medical examiner, Dr. Heather Jarrell. Hackman’s death was associated with heart disease, while Arakawa’s was linked to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease spread by infected rodent droppings. Hackman’s pacemaker recorded an abnormal heart rhythm on February 18, indicating his likely time of death. Although the exact timing of their deaths remains uncertain, evidence suggests they died about a week apart.
During the investigation, personal items such as a monthly planner and cellphones were collected from the home. One of their three dogs was found deceased in a crate near Arakawa. Initially, authorities misidentified the dog’s breed.
Hantavirus, typically reported in spring and summer, can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe lung infection. An environmental assessment revealed rodent feces on the Hackman property, but the home itself was free of rodent activity. This case marks the first confirmed hantavirus infection in New Mexico for the year.
Gene Hackman, renowned for his diverse film roles since 1961, gained fame for playing Lex Luthor in the “Superman” films and winning Oscars for “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven.” He retired in the early 2000s.
Betsy Arakawa, born in Hawaii, had a vibrant career, studying piano and later working in various roles, including a production assistant on a television game show. She met Hackman in the mid-1980s, and they relocated to Santa Fe, where Arakawa served as vice president of a local home decor and furnishing store.
The couple resided in a Pueblo revival home within a gated community known for attracting artists and celebrities, offering views of the Rocky Mountains. Despite Hackman’s fame, he maintained a low profile in his later years, focusing on hobbies such as painting, deep-sea diving, and writing novels.
The Human Element Explored
The deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa have cast a spotlight on the potential hazards of hantavirus and the importance of public health awareness. The incident underscores the need for vigilance when it comes to rodent infestations, especially in areas prone to such occurrences. Residents in similar communities may feel compelled to ensure their living spaces are regularly inspected and maintained to prevent similar tragedies.
For movie enthusiasts and fans of Hackman’s work, his passing marks the end of an era in Hollywood history. His contributions to cinema have left an indelible mark, reminding audiences of the golden age of film. Arakawa’s story offers a glimpse into the life of a vibrant woman whose varied career and personal achievements reflect the diverse paths individuals take. Their deaths serve as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities shared by all, regardless of fame or status, highlighting the universal need for health and safety in our homes and communities.
