Legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered dead in their Santa Fe home earlier this month, raising questions about their final days and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The couple's deaths highlight the tragic impact of isolation and disease, with Hackman now revealed to have succumbed to cardiovascular disease and Arakawa to a rare virus, as the Daily Mail reports.
Gene Hackman, 95, was a celebrated actor known for his roles in movies such as The French Connection and Unforgiven. His illustrious career earned him two Oscars and the admiration of fans worldwide. Believed to have died around Feb. 18, Hackman's demise is now known to have been the result of cardiovascular disease complicated by Alzheimer's disease.
In recent years, Hackman had battled several health issues, including advanced Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Heather Jarrell, who assessed the situation, noted, "Mr. Hackman showed evidence of advanced Alzheimer’s disease." His deteriorating mental state might have prevented him from realizing the tragic events unfolding within his home.
Meanwhile, Betsy Arakawa, Hackman's wife, died about a week before her husband on approximately
Feb. 11. The cause of her passing was Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a rare but serious illness that can lead to severe respiratory complications rapidly.
Arakawa, 65, was discovered in the bathroom near a space heater and thyroid medication. This poignant scenario paints a picture of a woman who may have been struggling to manage her own health crisis in isolation. HPS, appearing most often in the southwestern United States, carries a high mortality rate of 38% to 50%, according to Dr. Jarrell.
The couple's pets, three dogs, were also caught in the tragic events, with one found dead in a closet, underscoring the days of neglect following their owners' deaths.
Investigations of their Santa Fe home revealed evidence of rodent activity, though it was limited to the outbuildings and not the main house. This detail raises questions about the circumstances of Arakawa’s contraction of HPS, a virus primarily transmitted from contact with infected rodents or their droppings.
In the initial aftermath, Hackman's daughter, Elizabeth, speculated to TMZ that carbon monoxide poisoning might have caused their deaths. However, this theory was later dispelled by authorities through an investigation.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa had chosen a life of privacy in their later years, dedicating their time to art and community efforts in Santa Fe. Despite his fame, Hackman enjoyed simple pleasures, as reflected in a 2020 interview where he expressed fondness for films with "simple stories" and especially appreciated comedy marathons.
The tragic end to one of Hollywood's most revered figures and his wife has resonated deeply, not only due to the couple’s reclusive nature but also because of how their isolation amplified the severity of their conditions. Hackman’s Alzheimer’s, combined with Arakawa’s unexpected illness, painted a stark picture of vulnerability in later life.
Hackman's contribution to cinema remains indelible. His work in many of the film world's most heralded productions established him as a versatile actor capable of commanding the screen both as a heroic and complex character. His career achievements include two Oscars and numerous accolades celebrating his craft.
As fans and the film community mourn the loss of Gene Hackman, there is a shared acknowledgment of how his life's choices and passions made a distinct impact beyond the silver screen. The couple’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community and vigilance in health, even when living a life marked by privacy.
