Gene Hackman dies from heart disease complicated by Alzheimer's disease
- The bodies of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were discovered at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, prompting an investigation.
- Autopsies confirmed Hackman's death was primarily due to heart disease, and Arakawa died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
- The circumstances surrounding their deaths have raised concerns, leading to an ongoing investigation into their health and living conditions.
In February 2025, authorities discovered the bodies of Gene Hackman, age 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, age 65, at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Maintenance workers found the couple's remains on February 26, leading to a criminal investigation due to the suspicious nature of their deaths. Gene Hackman's autopsy revealed that he suffered from advanced heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease, factors contributing to his demise. Betsy Arakawa had died earlier, on February 11, due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a disease transmitted by rodent droppings. Medical examiners stated that while Gene Hackman had a history of heart issues, including congestive heart failure and an irregular heartbeat, Betsy's autopsy confirmed her death was from a rare virus, and no trauma was detected on either corpse. The couple's conditions illustrated the harsh realities of prolonged health decline, with investigations revealing that Betsy had exhibited flu-like symptoms in the days leading to her death. This prompted her research about potential medical issues like COVID-19 before her passing. Following her death, Hackman likely survived for approximately a week. He may have been unaware of his wife's death, leading to theories of neglect or isolation. Their remains exhibited signs of significant decomposition, which heightened the investigation’s urgency, particularly as their families were notably concerned about the couple's wellbeing leading up to this tragic event. The case demonstrates how serious medical conditions can severely impact elderly individuals and complicate even routine health care scenarios. The combination of heart disease and Alzheimer’s, particularly in someone of Hackman's age, presents a dire need for family, community, and medical support as one nears the end of life. Authorities have indicated that their investigation into the particular circumstances surrounding their deaths remains open, as there are still unanswered questions about their living conditions prior to their deaths.