The Cause of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s Deaths Revealed
Gene Hackman’s cause of death has finally been revealed, shedding light on the heartbreaking final days he spent alone. The legendary actor passed away from heart disease after being left disoriented and without care following the sudden death of his wife, Betsy Arakawa. Authorities have confirmed that Arakawa succumbed to a rare and deadly viral infection—hantavirus—days before Hackman’s passing, setting off a tragic chain of events that led to their untimely demise.
Hackman, a two-time Academy Award-winning actor, and Arakawa, a classical pianist, shared a love story that spanned over three decades. Arakawa had been Hackman’s rock, especially in his later years as he battled Alzheimer’s. She took care of the 95-year-old, managed their home, and protected him from illness.
Despite her careful efforts, tragedy struck in early February. Authorities now confirm that Arakawa succumbed to a rare and deadly viral infection—hantavirus—most commonly contracted from exposure to rodent droppings. Hackman was left alone and unaware of her passing, which likely contributed to his own decline. His cause of death has been officially listed as heart disease, exacerbated by Alzheimer’s and a lack of care in the days following his wife’s demise.
Tragic Timeline
Arakawa, 65, was last seen alive on February 11, running errands around Santa Fe. Surveillance footage shows her at a grocery store, a pharmacy, and a pet supply shop before returning home that evening. Investigators believe she passed away that same night.
With his cognitive decline, Hackman likely didn’t realize his wife was gone. He may have been too frail and confused to seek help. His pacemaker last recorded a heartbeat on February 18, suggesting he passed away roughly a week later. Their bodies were only discovered on February 26, when a maintenance worker alerted security.
Disturbing Details
Dr. Heather Jarrell, New Mexico’s chief medical investigator, confirmed the grim details: “Autopsy examination and a full body postmortem CT examination demonstrated no acute findings of internal or external trauma, and showed severe heart disease including multiple surgical procedures involving the heart, evidence of prior heart attacks, and severe changes of the kidneys due to chronic high blood pressure.”
For years, Hackman and Arakawa lived a quiet life, avoiding the Hollywood limelight. After the COVID-19 pandemic, they became even more withdrawn, rarely leaving their home. Friends say Arakawa did her best to keep Hackman engaged with puzzles and yoga, but in recent months, his health had noticeably declined.
Fans worldwide are mourning not just the loss of a Hollywood icon, but the heartbreaking reality of his final days. Their story is a painful reminder of the challenges of aging, illness, and isolation, even for the most celebrated among us.
