Santa Fe Police Disclosed What Gene Hackman’s Wife Betsy Arakawa Did Hours Before Her Death — Details
ArchiveFirst published March 11, 2025. It may not reflect later developments.
Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, passed away just a week apart, both from natural causes. Authorities have detailed Arakawa’s final day on February 11, when she followed her usual routine—emailing her massage therapist, visiting a grocery store, and stopping by CVS Pharmacy. She then picked up pet supplies before returning home at 5:15 p.m. That was her last known activity.
Two days earlier, Arakawa had collected their dog Zinna from a veterinary procedure. However, on February 11, she never retrieved a prescription order from Gruda Veterinary Hospital. Concerned staff tried to contact her, but there was no response. Robert Gruda noted, “She was devoted to those dogs. She was consistent, predictable. We knew something was wrong when she didn’t pick up the food on time.”
Arakawa, Hackman’s primary caregiver, handled his meals, golf outings, and even typed his handwritten novels. She died from hantavirus, a rare rodent-borne illness. Hackman, who had Alzheimer’s, lived alone for a week before collapsing and passing away on February 18.
Their surviving dogs, Bear and Nikki, are now in the care of Joey Padilla. “They are safe and adjusting,” he confirmed, remembering the couple as “amazing friends and dog lovers.”
