SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities disclosed on Friday the heartbreaking details surrounding the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife at their New Mexico home, revealing that both passed away due to natural causes. Hackman, who was suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s disease, succumbed to heart disease a week after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from hantavirus. The couple’s bodies were discovered on February 26, with evidence pointing to their deaths occurring a week apart.
Chief medical examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell, accompanied by state fire and health officials, stated that Hackman’s deteriorating health due to Alzheimer’s and heart disease likely led to his passing. Arakawa, on the other hand, fell victim to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease transmitted through infected rodent droppings. The investigation also revealed that one of their dogs was found deceased in the home.
The couple’s deaths were not initially suspected to be foul play, and tests for carbon monoxide poisoning came back negative. The authorities shared that Hackman’s last recorded heart activity was abnormal on February 18, indicating that this was when he likely passed away. Arakawa’s last known activities were traced back to February 11, before her tragic death.
While Hackman’s condition may have prevented him from realizing his wife’s passing, the sequence of events leading to their deaths remains a sorrowful mystery. The community, shocked by the tragedy, is left mourning the loss of a beloved couple.
The community of Cuba Gallery mourned the loss of Hackman, a beloved individual with whom they shared stories during their Pilates sessions. Dr. Victor Weedn, a forensic pathologist, explained the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Hackman and his wife. While it is typically assumed that two bodies found together died simultaneously, Hackman’s Alzheimer’s disease complicated matters, as he was unable to seek help after his wife’s passing. Weedn clarified that the couple actually died several days apart, with one succumbing to a viral infection and the other to heart disease. Despite initial confusion, authorities eventually provided a clear and plausible explanation of the events.
Hackman, a renowned Hollywood figure, had a successful career in films such as “The French Connection,” “Hoosiers,” and “Superman.” Arakawa, who met Hackman in the 1980s, was a talented concert pianist from Hawaii. In retirement, Hackman focused on painting and writing novels, distancing himself from Hollywood’s social scene. He was also involved in the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe and invested in local businesses with his wife.
Baumann provided the information from Bellingham, Washington, with additional contributions from Associated Press reporters Jacques Billeaud, John Seewer, and Carla Johnson.
