In the quiet neighborhood of their Santa Fe home, Oscar winner Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, met a fate so eerie it feels like a scene from a psychological horror film. Arakawa, just 65, succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, with her lifeless body discovered in a bathroom surrounded by pills.
Meanwhile, it is believed that the two-time Oscar winner allegedly lived for seven days without his wife—who was his primary caregiver—despite his mind being clouded by Alzheimer’s. Later on, succumbing to heart disease, Hackman’s body was found near the kitchen. The authorities have ruled out foul play, even though the grim details paint a tragic picture.
Gene Hackman and his wife passed away at their Santa Fe home
A grave tragedy struck Hollywood after veteran legend Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, a gifted classical pianist, were found dead in their Santa Fe home, by two maintenance workers. The couple’s lifeless decomposing bodies were discovered on February 26, 2025, when the maintenance workers glimpsed the remains through the windows and called the police.
Later on, after investigations, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza and Dr. Heather Jarrell revealed via CNN that Betsy Arakawa’s last known communication was on February 11. She was spotted on surveillance cameras going into stores and returning to their gated community, after which he possibly succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
As for the legendary actor, Gene Hackman, the doctor noted that he died several days after his wife, on February 18. That was his last recorded heartbeat on his pacemaker. Medical investigators stated that Hackman died of heart disease, but he also had Alzheimer’s, which could have possibly been “a significant contributory factor”.
Dr. Heather Jarrell, the chief medical investigator, also noted how the couple’s deceased dog was found in a crate and who might have died of starvation. While reflecting on other aspects, Jarrell noted that Betsy Arakawa did not appear to be sick or struggling, despite being found on the bathroom floor with pills scattered around her. And as for Gene Hackman, it’s possible that he was “not aware” of his wife’s demise several days earlier.
Fans are shocked over the details, despite authorities ruling out foul play
Now, although authorities were quick to rule out foul play, noting no signs of forced entry or external trauma, people are horrified to learn about the couple’s tragic demise. Considering how Arakawa, who was Hackman’s primary caregiver, succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, and later on the actor who suffered from advanced Alzheimer’s disease, died unable to seek help or know about his wife’s death—led fans to grieve heavily.
As the news of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s deaths sent ripples of grief and disbelief through the community and among fans worldwide, netizens took to social media to reflect on the uncertainties of life. Further addressing how Hackman’s life played out in his final days, people reflected on the eerie circumstances that felt straight out of a horror flick.
Addressing the couple’s final days wherein Arakawa was dedicated to Hackman’s well-being, fans reflected on how her unexpected demise left the actor in solitude, for a week. Further, addressing the death of their pet, as well as Hackman’s Alzheimer’s, leaving him helpless after his wife’s death, people described the couple’s end as similar to that of a psychological horror story.
Despite the absence of foul play, as ruled out by authorities, the haunting details of their demise and how their rotting bodies were found, evoked a sense of horror. Further, the couple’s final days evoked remorse as it proved the fragility of life and how illness can be isolating. So now, as investigations continue, the world mourns the loss of two remarkable individuals as well as the unsettling manner of their passing.
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