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Hollywood Legend Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa’s Final Days Unveiled
In the days immediately preceding the deaths of celebrated Hollywood actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, the 65-year-old was reportedly researching her health concerns via online searches. According to official records released by New Mexico authorities on Tuesday, April 15, Arakawa had conducted repeated internet inquiries regarding symptoms consistent with influenza and COVID-19.
Details Emerge from Official Records
The released documents, including witness testimonies, scene photographs, and police body camera footage, have provided new insights into the couple’s final days at their residence near Santa Fe. Following his wife’s passing in February, Hackman resided alone in their home for approximately one week before his own death due to heart disease, with Alzheimer’s disease listed as a contributing factor. Amidst public speculation surrounding their causes of death, it was subsequently verified that Arakawa’s death was attributed to Hantavirus.
Hantavirus Confirmed as Cause of Death for Arakawa
This dangerous illness is contracted through exposure to the excrement of rodents and can initially present with flu-like symptoms that may progress to shortness of breath, culminating in cardiac and pulmonary failure.
Betsy Arakawa’s Preceding Health Concerns
Police records indicate that on February 10, Arakawa’s internet browsing history included searches such as: “Can COVID cause dizziness?” and “Flu and nosebleeds.”
Timeline of Arakawa’s Final Days
The subsequent day, the late pianist contacted her massage therapist via email to cancel a scheduled appointment. In the email, she noted that her husband had awakened that morning with “flu/cold-like symptoms” but had received a negative result for a COVID-19 test.

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Later that day, she proceeded to order oxygen cylinders from an online retailer for “respiratory support.”
Discovery of Hackman and Arakawa
The bodies of both Hackman and Arakawa were discovered on February 26 after a maintenance employee, who worked for the couple, became concerned when communication with Arakawa abruptly ceased.
Upon arriving at the property accompanied by a neighborhood security guard, the maintenance worker found a door partially open, leading to the bathroom where Arakawa was located deceased on the floor.
After emergency services were contacted, investigators found Hackman’s body within the mudroom, situated on the opposite side of the house.
Grim Scene at the Residence
A police account detailed: “He displayed indicators of advanced decomposition, including blackened hands with tissue breakdown.”
Dog Found Deceased
Tragically, one of the couple’s dogs, Zinna, was also discovered deceased within a dog crate. A subsequent determination indicated that the dog had likely perished due to dehydration and starvation.