SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The passing of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa in their New Mexico residence has left authorities and the public in shock. Hackman, 95, succumbed to heart disease a week after Arakawa, 65, passed away from hantavirus. It was revealed that Hackman, in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease, was likely unaware of his wife’s demise. The couple’s deaths were deemed not suspicious, with initial tests ruling out carbon monoxide poisoning. Authorities pieced together a heartbreaking narrative: Arakawa’s death led to Hackman’s inability to seek help, resulting in his own demise from heart disease.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Victor Weedn expressed, “I believe they really discovered what truly happened in this case. It seemed such a great mystery to the entire nation.” Here is a detailed account of the events surrounding this tragic incident:
Feb. 11
Arakawa’s last known activities included emailing a massage therapist, grocery shopping, and visiting a pharmacy and pet store. She returned home around 5:15 p.m. Investigators believe this was the day of her passing due to hantavirus symptoms.
Feb. 17-18
Hackman’s pacemaker data indicated cardiac activity on Feb. 17, with abnormal heart rhythm detected on Feb. 18. Chief medical examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell deduced that Hackman likely passed away around Feb. 18.
Feb. 26
The discovery of the couple’s bodies by maintenance workers initiated the investigation. Hackman and Arakawa were found deceased in their home, alongside a deceased dog. Autopsies revealed they had been deceased for some time.
Feb. 27
Autopsies were performed on Hackman, Arakawa, and the dog.
Feb. 28
Initial autopsy results ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning and external trauma as causes of death.
March 7
Authorities disclosed that both Hackman and Arakawa passed away from natural causes, with Hackman’s death attributed to heart disease compounded by Alzheimer’s.
Authorities attributed Betsy Arakawa’s passing to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare yet deadly illness transmitted through rodent droppings.
