Femi Ashekun/
On February 26, 2025, renowned actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, 65, were discovered deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico residence.
The couple had been married since 1991 and had chosen a life away from the public eye in recent years.
Concern arose when maintenance workers, who had not heard from the couple in approximately two weeks, conducted a welfare check. Upon arrival, they observed bodies through a window and promptly contacted emergency services.
Responding deputies found Hackman’s body in the foyer and Arakawa’s in a bathroom. One of their three dogs was also found deceased near Arakawa, while the other two dogs were alive on the property.
Autopsy results revealed that Hackman died from cardiovascular disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease as a contributing factor.
Arakawa’s death was attributed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and often fatal respiratory disease transmitted through contact with infected rodent excrement. Evidence of rodent intrusion was found in their home, suggesting a possible source of the virus.
Investigations indicate that Arakawa likely died on February 11, 2025. Hackman, due to his advanced Alzheimer’s, may not have been aware of his wife’s death and is believed to have died approximately a week later, around February 18. The exact dates are challenging to confirm due to the decomposition state of the bodies upon discovery.
While both deaths have been ruled natural, authorities continue to investigate to address remaining questions. This includes analyzing the couple’s cell phones and conducting a necropsy on the deceased dog to gather more information.
Hantavirus cases are relatively rare in New Mexico, with fewer than ten reported in the past five years, but the virus can be fatal in up to 42% of cases.
The deaths of Hackman and Arakawa have elicited an outpouring of grief and tributes from the film industry and fans worldwide.
Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, was celebrated for his extensive and impactful career in cinema.
Arakawa was recognised not only for her musical talents but also for her contributions to the Santa Fe community, including co-founding a local home furnishings store.
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