SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO – The recent tragic deaths of Betsy Arakawa and her husband, Gene Hackman, have shed light on the couple’s final days as they battled illness in their New Mexico home. Arakawa, a talented pianist, turned to the internet in search of answers on flu and Covid symptoms prior to her passing. She posed questions to Google about the potential effects of Covid, such as dizziness and nosebleeds, as detailed in police records released by the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office.
Arakawa’s inquiries on the internet and subsequent actions, including canceling appointments and ordering oxygen for respiratory support, paint a picture of a woman grappling with her health concerns. Despite her efforts to seek medical assistance, she tragically succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare respiratory illness that can prove fatal.
The investigation into the couple’s deaths revealed disturbing details of their living conditions, with photos showing a cluttered house and outbuildings infested with nests of rodents. Arakawa’s husband, Gene Hackman, who was 95 and battling Alzheimer’s disease, passed away shortly after her due to severe heart disease. The combination of his Alzheimer’s and deteriorating health may have prevented him from realizing his wife’s absence, suggesting a heartbreaking end for the couple who had been married for over three decades.
Authorities believe that Arakawa’s multiple attempts to seek medical treatment were unsuccessful, ultimately leading to her tragic demise. The release of the sheriff’s records by Santa Fe County faced opposition from the couple’s children, highlighting the painful process of balancing privacy with the public’s right to information.
The discovery of the couple’s bodies by neighborhood security more than a week after their passing underscores the loneliness and isolation surrounding their final days. In the midst of their tragedy, even their beloved pet suffered, succumbing to starvation and dehydration.
As the community grapples with the news of their deaths, questions linger about the circumstances that led to such a heartbreaking outcome. The story of Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the complexities of dealing with illness and loss.