Santa Fe, New Mexico – The world was shocked and saddened by the news of the passing of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The couple, who had been married for over 30 years, were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26th, 2021. The autopsy results, released on Friday, revealed that Hackman, 95, died of heart disease while his wife, 64, succumbed to the rare hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, likely days before her husband’s death.
The couple’s death has left many questions unanswered, but one thing is clear – they were deeply in love until the very end. Hackman’s heart disease and Arakawa’s hantavirus were announced at a press conference held at the Santa Fe sheriff’s office. It was revealed that Arakawa had passed away a week before her husband, with the date of her last email being February 11th. When asked if Hackman’s advanced Alzheimer’s had hindered him from realizing his wife’s passing, Sheriff Adan Mendoza replied, “I would assume that is the case.”
According to Heather Jarrell, chief medical investigator at the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, Hackman was in an advanced state of Alzheimer’s, and it is quite possible that he was not aware of his wife’s death. The couple’s love story was a beautiful one, and it is heartbreaking to think that Hackman may not have been able to fully comprehend the loss of his beloved wife.
The couple’s cause of death has shed light on the rare hantavirus, which is predominantly spread through the droppings and urine of deer mice in the western states of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. The virus is often transmitted through the air when people come in contact with contaminated areas. It starts with flu-like symptoms and can lead to heart and lung failure, with a high mortality rate of 38% to 50%.
New Mexico has experienced between one and seven cases of hantavirus annually in recent years, according to health data. State health inspectors found no signs of rodents inside Hackman’s home, but they did detect rodent activity in structures outside the house, according to State Veterinarian Erin Phipps. It is a reminder to always be cautious and take necessary precautions when dealing with rodents, especially in areas where the virus is prevalent.
Hackman and Arakawa had called Santa Fe home since the 1980s and were active members of the city’s art community and culinary scene. The couple lived a very private life, and in recent years, they were seen less often in town as Hackman’s health deteriorated. They were known to be deeply in love and had a strong bond that was evident to those around them.
Their passing has left a void in the Santa Fe community, where they were highly regarded and loved. Their gated community caretaker discovered the couple’s bodies, with Hackman found in the kitchen and Arakawa and one of their dogs in a bathroom. Both appeared to have suddenly fallen to the floor, with no signs of blunt force trauma.
It was revealed that Arakawa had picked up one of their dogs from a Santa Fe veterinarian on February 9th, which may explain why the animal was found dead in a crate in their home on February 26th. State Veterinarian Phipps stated that the dog may have died of starvation, further adding to the tragic circumstances surrounding the couple’s death.
Hackman, a former Marine known for his iconic raspy voice, had a successful career spanning over five decades. He appeared in more than 80 films, on television, and on stage, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards. He received his first Oscar nomination for his role in the 1967 film “Bonnie and Clyde” and went on to win two Oscars for his performances in “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven.”
Hackman and Arakawa’s love story was one that many admired, and their passing has left a void in the hearts of their loved ones and fans around the world. They will be remembered for their talent, love, and contributions to the Santa Fe community. May they rest in peace together, forever in each other’s arms.
