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John Mulaney Addresses Gene Hackman Death Investigation in Comedy Monologue
John Mulaney recently addressed the Gene Hackman death investigation in his signature comedic style during a monologue on his talk show. The comedian poked fun at the ongoing inquiries into the passing of Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, infusing humor into the discussion of their recent deaths.
Mulaney’s Take on the Investigation
During the Wednesday, April 23, episode of Everybody’s Live With John Mulaney, the comedian referenced the widely reported investigative details surrounding the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa earlier in the year.
“Scientists are now like, ‘We believe dinosaurs were killed 66 million years ago by an asteroid,’” Mulaney, 42, quipped on his Netflix program. “Stop. You don’t know that. We don’t even know how Gene Hackman and his wife died, and we found their whole bodies with full clothes on, one week after the event. How about that Santa Fe police? ‘Uh, hello. Press conference No. 470. We now believe that a rat bit Mrs. Hackman, turning her hands into mummy hands.’ Just slow down. You don’t know what happened.”
Details Surrounding Hackman and Arakawa’s Deaths
Hackman and Arakawa were discovered deceased on February 26, aged 95 and 65, respectively. The official cause of death for Hackman was attributed to hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with Alzheimer’s disease playing a significant contributing role. Authorities suggest he passed away on February 18, while Arakawa likely died around February 12.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome as Cause of Death
Arakawa’s official cause of death was Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a rare infectious disease spread through airborne contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.

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Property Conditions Revealed in Report
Earlier in April, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office released images of the couple’s New Mexico residence. These photos revealed a notable contrast between the main house, which was cluttered, and the outbuildings, which exhibited signs of rodent infestation. The $4 million property featured overflowing trash receptacles and accumulated clothing and clutter at the time of the couple’s passing.
The New Mexico Department of Health documented dead rodents and rodent nests across multiple garages, casitas, and sheds on the Hackman and Arakawa estate.
In addition to the property photos, the Sheriff’s report detailed Arakawa’s computer search history, indicating that she had been researching her symptoms between February 8 and February 12.
Legal Decisions Regarding Evidence
Judge Matthew Wilson ruled that while images of the bodies of Hackman and Arakawa must be censored, photos depicting the scene and their deceased dog, Zinnia, would not be subject to concealment.
Family’s Request for Privacy
Yoshie Feaster, Arakawa’s mother, had sought to maintain the privacy of graphic images.
Mother’s Plea for Respect
“I humbly come before this court to request that this court respect my right to grieve in peace and find that I have a constitutional right to avoid seeing images of my daughter’s home, her dead body, her husband’s dead body, and their dog’s corpse,” Feaster, 91, stated in court documents. “The public spectacle surrounding my daughter’s death is one that no parent should have to live through.”
Private Memorial Service Held
Hackman and Arakawa were reportedly interred at a private memorial service in Santa Fe earlier this year.