Classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, the wife of actor Gene Hackman, was recorded running errands in Santa Fe, New Mexico, according to USA Today. On February 11, 2025, the 65-year-old visited a CVS Pharmacy, about five miles from her home, wearing a mask — likely due to an illness affecting her lungs.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend a Hollywood Foreign Press conference in California on November 11, 1992 | Source: Getty Images
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend a Hollywood Foreign Press conference in California on November 11, 1992 | Source: Getty Images
That same day, she sent an email and went grocery shopping. However, an unusual omission in her routine raised concerns among those who knew her.
She never picked up a prescription order for her three dogs — Zinna, Bear, and Nikita — from Gruda Veterinary Hospital, something she had never missed before. When the order remained unclaimed after February 17, clinic staff tried calling her, but their calls went unanswered.
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Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman attend the 65th Academy Awards on March 29, 1993 | Source: Getty Images
Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman attend the 65th Academy Awards on March 29, 1993 | Source: Getty Images
“She was devoted to those dogs,” Robert Gruda, the hospital’s owner, told USA Today. “She was consistent, predictable. We knew something was wrong when she didn’t pick up the food on time.”
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend the DW Griffith Awards in New York on February 24, 1992 | Source: Getty Images
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend the DW Griffith Awards in New York on February 24, 1992 | Source: Getty Images
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Authorities later found Arakawa on the bathroom floor of the home she shared with her 95-year-old husband. She had succumbed to a rare but potentially fatal disease spread by rodents. After an investigation, they confirmed the couple’s causes of death.
Dr. Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Examiner for New Mexico, shared the official autopsy results in a press conference on March 8, 2025. Both deaths were classified as natural causes.
Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman attend the Thalians Ball honoring Liza Minnelli at the Century Plaza Hotel in California on October 8, 1994 | Source: Getty Images
Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman attend the Thalians Ball honoring Liza Minnelli at the Century Plaza Hotel in California on October 8, 1994 | Source: Getty Images
Dr. Jarrell explained that there were no signs of trauma on either individual and that toxicology reports ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, COVID-19, influenza, and other common respiratory viruses.
According to the report, Gene Hackman died of hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease listed as a significant contributing factor. His wife passed away due to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.
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Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa in West Hollywood, California, on September 5, 1986 | Source: Getty Images
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa in West Hollywood, California, on September 5, 1986 | Source: Getty Images
Investigators believe that Betsy passed away first. Surveillance footage confirmed that she returned home on February 11, at 5:15 p.m. After that, she had no further recorded activity.
Her last known communication was an email sent at 11:21 a.m. on that same day. Numerous unread emails were later found on her computer. Gene’s pacemaker provided insight into his final days.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend the Mission Hills Celebrity Sports Invitational in Rancho Mirage, California, on November 30, 1991 | Source: Getty Images
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend the Mission Hills Celebrity Sports Invitational in Rancho Mirage, California, on November 30, 1991 | Source: Getty Images
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The device recorded cardiac activity on February 17, with an abnormal rhythm detected on February 18, marking the last recorded instance of heart activity. Based on this, experts concluded that Gene likely died around February 18.
Gene Hackman in 1970 | Source: Getty Images
Gene Hackman in 1970 | Source: Getty Images
Gene Hackman’s Health and Final Days
The autopsy revealed that Gene suffered from severe heart disease, including prior heart attacks, extensive heart damage, and significant kidney impairment due to chronic high blood pressure.
Dr. Jarrell confirmed that he did not show signs of a recent heart attack, but he had an abnormal heart rhythm, which could have led to his death.
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Additionally, advanced Alzheimer’s disease was evident in his brain. When asked if Gene may have been aware of his wife’s passing, Dr. Jarrell said, “It’s quite possible that he was not aware that Miss Hackman was deceased.”
Gene was found in the mudroom of the home, with his walking cane and sunglasses nearby. Officials were unable to determine whether he had been attempting to seek help.
The Hantavirus Explained
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The Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome that Betsy’s death was attributed to is a rare but often fatal disease caused by exposure to infected rodent droppings. Dr. Jarrell explained the progression of the illness.
Gene Hackman with Betsy Arakawa at the United Celebral Palsy of New York City’s 15th annual Champagne Stakes at Etoile restaurant in 2000 | Source: Getty Images
Gene Hackman with Betsy Arakawa at the United Celebral Palsy of New York City’s 15th annual Champagne Stakes at Etoile restaurant in 2000 | Source: Getty Images
“Clinically, hantavirus infection is characterized by flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, and cough, which can sometimes progress to vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, lung failure, or cardiac failure,” she stated.
Experts believe she likely developed symptoms in the days leading up to her death, experiencing respiratory distress before collapsing. The virus has a high mortality rate of 38% to 50%, and its symptoms can escalate rapidly.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend a premiere of “The Chamber” at the Academy Theater, Beverly Hills, California, on October 2, 1996 | Source: Getty Images
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend a premiere of “The Chamber” at the Academy Theater, Beverly Hills, California, on October 2, 1996 | Source: Getty Images
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When asked if their dog, Zinna, could have also been infected, Dr. Jarrell stated that while dogs are not known to get sick from hantavirus, the possibility cannot be ruled out. The dog was found deceased in a crate, and a necropsy is pending.
Authorities had earlier ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning after testing the home. A minor gas leak was detected on a kitchen stove burner, but officials confirmed it was not significant enough to contribute to their deaths.
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Additionally, investigators found no security footage from inside or outside the home, as the property did not have surveillance cameras installed.
Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman during The 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 19, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman during The 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 19, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
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Authorities Request Privacy for the Family
Dr. Jarrell emphasized that the Office of the Medical Investigator does not typically make public statements about death investigations but felt it was necessary to ensure the dissemination of accurate information.
She concluded by requesting privacy for the family, stating, “Please respect the privacy that Mr. Gene Hackman, Miss Betsy Hackman, and their family and friends deserve. Thank you.”
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa at the Mike Tyson vs. Michael Spinks fight, Trump Plaza, Atlantic City, June 27, 1988 | Source: Getty Images
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa at the Mike Tyson vs. Michael Spinks fight, Trump Plaza, Atlantic City, June 27, 1988 | Source: Getty Images
The deaths of the veteran actor and his wife came as a huge shock to many. A family member of Gene broke their silence, revealing surprising details about the plans made before the actor’s passing — and how they changed.
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Shortly after Gene’s death on February 26, his nephew, Tim Hackman, revealed that the family had originally planned for Betsy to handle Gene’s funeral arrangements, given their three-decade age gap.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend the Toyota Pro-Celebrity Race in Long Beach, California, on April 4, 1987 | Source: Getty Images
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend the Toyota Pro-Celebrity Race in Long Beach, California, on April 4, 1987 | Source: Getty Images
As reported by The Daily Mail, Tim, 51, explained, “So the preparedness of it was that he would go first and that we would probably, maybe, depending on whatever it was [Betsy] had set up, would go down there and pay our condolences and everything.”
Gene Hackman poses for a portrait in Los Angeles, California , in 1996 | Source: Getty Images
Gene Hackman poses for a portrait in Los Angeles, California , in 1996 | Source: Getty Images
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With Gene and Betsy passing unexpectedly, those plans were upended. “Now with this, it significantly changes things. I have no idea what – I’m assuming one of his kids will probably take over – and [plan]. I don’t know. It’s still very, very early,” Tim said.
He also revealed that the family first learned of the couple’s deaths through Gene’s daughter, Leslie Hackman, who had been in the closest contact with them. The news reached them on Wednesday night, just before it became public.
Gene Hackman and his daughter, Leslie Hackman, at the “Class Action” premiere in Century City, California, on March 13, 1991 | Source: Getty Images
Gene Hackman and his daughter, Leslie Hackman, at the “Class Action” premiere in Century City, California, on March 13, 1991 | Source: Getty Images
The news was shocking, as the family was unaware of any major health concerns. “I mean, he was old. I’m sure he had some [health] concerns, but nothing that was shared,” Tim said.
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Tim last saw his uncle 11 years ago at his father Richard’s funeral. Richard was Gene’s brother, who had worked as his stuntman. Despite the time apart, Tim emphasized that Gene was not estranged from the family.
Instead, Gene preferred a quiet life and rarely traveled. “He only came to California during the warm weathers, and then he just stayed in New Mexico,” Tim added.
Gene Hackman drives a Toyota Celica at Long Beach, California, on March 14, 1981 | Source: Getty Images
Gene Hackman drives a Toyota Celica at Long Beach, California, on March 14, 1981 | Source: Getty Images
Most of Tim’s communication with Gene was through Betsy, as Gene had reached an age where he was not very communicative with the family.
“I was just basically giving her updates on my kids and how they were doing and how I was doing because our major connection was the military background, but that was it really,” Tim said.
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Gene Hackman at ESPN The Magazine’s NEXT Issue Party during Super Bowl XXXIX on February 4, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
Gene Hackman at ESPN The Magazine’s NEXT Issue Party during Super Bowl XXXIX on February 4, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
Tim described Betsy as Gene’s primary caregiver, crediting her with helping him live as long as he did. “She’d just always say, ‘Oh, [Gene’s] doing good.’ I mean, he was moving around a lot for 95,” he recalled.
The tragic passing of Gene and Betsy has left many in mourning, but the official findings now provide a clearer understanding of their final days.
