Gene Hackman and the Wife Died of Natural Causes, the Wife a Week Earlier of Rodent-Borne Infection

The couple were found dead in different rooms of their house last month

Authorities have confirmed that Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, died of natural causes in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home, though their deaths occurred a week apart.

The couple was discovered on February 26 by maintenance workers who had not seen them for approximately two weeks. Initial concerns arose when investigators found no signs of forced entry or carbon monoxide poisoning, leading to the deaths being classified as “suspicious.” However, following a medical examination, officials determined that both deaths were due to natural causes.

Hackman and Arakawa were married for more than 30 years

The investigation found that Arakawa likely passed away first, with her death attributed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but serious illness that affects the lungs and is often transmitted by rodents. She was last known to be alive on February 11. Evidence at the scene included an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on the bathroom counter. Her body showed signs of decomposition, including bloating and mummification in the hands and feet.

Hackman was later found collapsed near the kitchen entryway, commonly referred to as a “mudroom.” His cane and sunglasses were discovered nearby, suggesting he may have fallen suddenly. The medical examiner determined that he died due to heart disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease as a contributing factor. Pacemaker data indicated that he could have died as early as February 17, with February 18 being the most likely date of death.

Gene Hackman died from heart disease, complicated by severe Alzheimer's, authorities have said

Given his condition, investigators considered the possibility that Hackman may not have been aware of his wife’s passing. The Santa Fe County Sheriff noted that it was unclear whether Hackman had been attempting to seek help for Arakawa, stating, “We don’t know if we will ever have the answer to that question.”

A deceased dog, a kelpie mix named Zinna, was found near Arakawa’s body in a closet. The cause of the animal’s death remains under examination. Two other dogs, a German shepherd named Bear and another named Nikita, survived, with one found roaming the property. Officials noted that Arakawa had recently picked up Zinna from a veterinary hospital following a medical procedure, which may explain why the dog was in a crate at the time of death.

He lived for a week alongside the corpse of Betsy Arakawa, who died of a rare rodent disease

Hackman, a two-time Academy Award-winning actor, was known for roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, and The Royal Tenenbaums. He retired from acting in 2004, citing health concerns, including heart issues. A tribute was given in his honor at the 97th Academy Awards on March 2 by actor Morgan Freeman.

Hackman is survived by his three children, Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie, from his first marriage to Faye Maltese, who passed away in 2017.