New evidence reveals Betsy Arakawa died later than believed

In a significant development concerning the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, authorities have revised the timeline of events surrounding their tragic passing. Originally, it was believed that Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist, had died on the evening of February 11, 2025, yet new evidence has emerged suggesting she made several calls to a medical clinic on the morning of February 12. Investigators analyzed her cellphone and learned that these calls indicated she was seeking medical advice, signaling that she may not have been feeling well before her death. Dr. Josiah Child from the clinic highlighted that Betsy had scheduled an appointment for February 12; however, she had canceled it two days prior, citing the need to care for her husband, Gene Hackman. When she called the clinic again on February 12, the medical staff suspected she was unwell, and an appointment was arranged for the same afternoon, which she did not attend. Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were found deceased at their home in Santa Fe on February 26, 2025. Initial reports suggested Hackman had passed away nearly a week later, on February 18, having suffered from heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease, conditions that severely affected his health. Authorities were able to pinpoint the time of Hackman’s death using information from his pacemaker. Contradicting earlier assumptions about Arakawa's death, her passing was later attributed to hantavirus, a rare illness that can be contracted by exposure to infected rodents, as confirmed by the Chief Medical Examiner of Santa Fe. The circumstances surrounding their deaths have raised questions regarding the estate of Gene Hackman, estimated at $80 million. Hackman’s will, created in 1995, indicates that he intended to leave his entire estate to Betsy. Notably, Hackman’s three children are mentioned in the will but are not named as beneficiaries. Betsy’s own will specified that should she die within 90 days of Hackman, her assets would be donated to charity instead of being inherited by him, adding an additional layer of complexity to the estate management process. Following the discoveries, Hackman’s son, Christopher, is reportedly preparing to challenge his father’s will, aiming to secure a portion of the estate for himself and his siblings. This ongoing investigation and the revelations surrounding the couple's health and decisions shortly before their deaths continue to unfold, indicating the emotional and legal ramifications regarding the couple’s legacy. The timeline change significantly impacts how Hackman's estate will be settled and possibly how their shared life and decisions will be remembered.