The tragic discovery of the bodies of Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, on February 26 has prompted ongoing police investigations and released records detailing the events surrounding their deaths. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office has been making redacted records available following a court order, allowing the public to access information while concealing images of the deceased.
The latest information includes over three hours of police body camera footage, alongside previous reports and videos depicting the initial police response at the couple’s home. Within this new footage, investigators conduct interviews and search the property for evidence, including a request for Arakawa’s laptop. Family representatives guided detectives to the bathroom where her body was discovered.
A pest control worker stated he hadn’t seen Hackman for a month, noting that it was typical not to have contact during his visits. The last interaction he recalled involved a brief wave from Hackman, who appeared frail, using a cane and with dishevelled hair.
Authorities have determined that Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe disease transmitted by rodents, which can lead to symptoms such as respiratory distress and flu-like illness. Hackman is believed to have passed away roughly a week later due to heart disease complicated by Alzheimer’s disease. In a sorrowful detail, one of their three dogs was discovered deceased in a crate near Arakawa’s body, attributed to dehydration and starvation, while the other two dogs were found alive.
Hackman, a renowned actor, received two Oscars during a celebrated career that included iconic roles in films like “The French Connection” and “Superman,” spanning from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s. Betsy Arakawa, originally from Hawaii, was a concert pianist who met Hackman in the mid-1980s while working at a gym in California. In his later years, Hackman shifted his focus to painting and writing novels, distancing himself from the Hollywood scene. He played an active role in the community, serving on the board of trustees at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe and investing in local businesses.
As authorities continue to release additional records regarding the investigation, the public is left to grapple with the loss of two prominent figures, each with a legacy that extended beyond their notable careers.