Santa Fe, New Mexico – A detailed investigation report has been made public, shedding light on the final days of Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, before her tragic death. Arakawa, 65, passed away in February from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease transmitted by rodents that can lead to severe respiratory distress and flu-like symptoms. Hackman, 95, is believed to have died a week later from heart disease with complications from Alzheimer’s.
The investigation report revealed that in the days leading up to her death, Arakawa had been researching medical conditions related to Covid-19 and flu-like symptoms. According to the report, she had searched for information on flu-like symptoms and breathing techniques, as well as contacted a concierge medical service in Santa Fe. The report also detailed phone calls and emails indicating that Hackman had exhibited flu-like symptoms prior to his passing.
Authorities released redacted police body camera footage from inside the couple’s home as they tried to piece together the events leading to their deaths. Deputies found one of the couple’s dogs near Arakawa’s body and later located Hackman in a separate area of the house. Despite initial concerns of a gas leak, subsequent testing showed no signs of a leak in the home.
An environmental assessment of the Hackman property found rodent feces in outbuildings, with evidence of live traps. While the inside of the home showed no signs of rodent activity, one of the couple’s dogs was found dead from dehydration and starvation. The couple’s estate sought to keep records sealed, citing privacy concerns.
During a court hearing, the estate’s attorney argued that the couple had lived a private life and that their privacy rights should extend to their estate in death. The Associated Press, CBS News, and CBS Studios intervened in the matter, pledging not to disseminate images of the couple’s bodies. Ultimately, a court order mandated that any depictions of the deceased couple be blocked from view in the released materials.
The investigation into the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa continues, with authorities uncovering new details about the circumstances surrounding their passing. As the community mourns the loss of the beloved couple, questions remain about the events leading to their tragic deaths in their Santa Fe home.