SANTA FE, N.M. — A tragic discovery shook the picturesque city of Santa Fe when forensic experts revealed the cause of death for legendary actor Gene Hackman. Hackman, who passed away at the age of 95, succumbed to heart disease with complications from Alzheimer’s disease. His death occurred a week after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, tragically lost her life to a rare, rodent-borne illness at their Santa Fe residence. The couple’s remains were found in a state of partial mummification by maintenance and security workers who arrived at their home on Feb. 26, prompting authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The investigation uncovered that Arakawa likely fell victim to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a deadly disease spread through infected rodent droppings, on Feb. 11. The couple’s last known interactions included a routine of errands and shopping before their untimely deaths. Arakawa, aged 65, visited several stores before returning home, with her sudden absence going unnoticed by Hackman, who was suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s.
Dr. Heather Jarrell, the chief medical investigator, cited Hackman’s heart disease as a significant factor in his passing, despite his unawareness of his wife’s death. The couple’s bodies were found in different locations within their residence, displaying signs of decomposition and mummification influenced by the dry climate in Santa Fe. The shocking revelation of the manner of their deaths left the community reeling, with friends and acquaintances recalling their interactions with the beloved Hollywood star.
Experts believe that Hackman’s cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s prevented him from comprehending or seeking help following his wife’s demise. The investigation remains ongoing, awaiting results from a necropsy on one of the couple’s dogs found deceased at the scene. As details surrounding their deaths continue to unfold, the tragic loss of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of life, even for those in the public eye.