Police confirm Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy Arakawa died of ‘natural causes’ nearly a week before husband
ArchiveFirst published March 8, 2025. It may not reflect later developments.
Discovery and Investigation
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26. Their deaths were initially considered “suspicious enough” for investigation. Authorities discovered them in separate rooms after maintenance and security workers alerted police.
Official Findings
At a press conference on March 7, chief medical examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell confirmed that Arakawa, 65, died of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. “The manner of death is natural. Autopsy examination and full body post mortem CT demonstrated no findings of trauma internally or externally,” she stated. Hackman, 95, died of “hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor.”
Timeline of Deaths
Dr. Jarrell revealed that “Mr. Hackman probably died around February 18,” while “Ms. Hackman passed away first, with February 11 being the last time she was known to be alive.” Despite speculation, laboratory tests found no traces of COVID-19, influenza, carbon monoxide, or other common respiratory viruses.
Ongoing Investigation
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that the case remains open until all “loose ends” are resolved.
