Gene Hackman and wife found dead in Santa Fe home under mysterious circumstances
- The bodies of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Hackman were discovered in their Santa Fe home following concerns raised by their handyman, who initiated a wellness check.
- Investigations revealed that Betsy died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, while Gene died of heart disease complicated by Alzheimer's.
- Their tragic deaths have led to an ongoing investigation to uncover the full circumstances surrounding their final days.
In Santa Fe, New Mexico, Gene Hackman, a renowned Oscar-winning actor, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa Hackman, were discovered dead in their residence on February 26, 2025. The couple had not been heard from for weeks, leading Jesse Kesler, their handyman, to raise concerns. In a wellness check initiated due to Betsy's unusually silent communication patterns, Kesler and a security guard entered their home and found both bodies. Gene was believed to have died roughly a week after Betsy, with his pacemaker last showing activity around February 18, 2025. The investigation revealed Betsy’s death was attributed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rodent-borne illness, while Gene succumbed to heart disease exacerbated by advanced Alzheimer's disease. Their dog, Zinna, was also found deceased, further complicating the situation. Reports suggest that Betsy had been a devoted pet owner, leaving the couple’s surviving dogs in good care and recently tending to Zinna’s medical needs after major surgery. The circumstances surrounding their deaths led to intense scrutiny, as the nature of their illnesses and the timeline of occurrences raised many unanswered questions. Authorities confirmed that Gene may have been unaware of Betsy’s passing due to the progression of his Alzheimer's, complicating the dynamics of their final days together. Their tragic demise has resulted in ongoing investigations to determine the complete timeline and conditions leading to their deaths, with various agencies looking into cell phone records and the health implications that ultimately claimed their lives. Detectives are also awaiting toxicology results that could shed more light on the situation. The discoveries within their home, including medication and personal effects, pointed towards a deeply personal narrative marked by love, illness, and ultimately, loss. Their daughter, Leslie, stated she was unaware of any concerns about her parents until after their bodies were found, adding another layer of complexity to the tragedy. The case remains active, with authorities committed to uncovering every detail to ensure justice and understanding regarding the final days of the couple, indicating the impact of their lives and the unanswered questions that now linger over their cherished legacy.