In the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico, investigators have recently unearthed crucial information surrounding the tragic deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. This new data has altered the previously understood timeline of their final days, providing clarity on the circumstances that led to their demise. The couple, who had shared a loving marriage since 1991, were discovered dead in their home under distressing circumstances in February.
Earlier this month, the New Mexico medical investigator’s office confirmed that both Hackman and Arakawa died of natural causes, albeit on different dates and attributed to distinct medical issues. Initially, their timeline suggested that Arakawa had passed before her husband, leading authorities to deduce her likely date of death based on activity reports. The last known communication from Arakawa was established to be on February 11, when she was seen on surveillance footage entering local stores. That particular day, she returned to their gated community around 5:15 p.m., making it seem unlikely that she would have been alive past that date.
However, following a detailed audit of cell phone records, investigators announced that Arakawa had utilized her phone to call a local medical center, Cloudberry Health, on the morning of February 12. This revelation implies that she was alive a day longer than previously thought. The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office released a statement corroborating this finding: “We can now confirm that Mrs. Hackman’s phone was utilized on the morning of February 12 to call a medical center in Santa Fe. A total of three calls were made that morning, all to the medical center.” An incoming call from the medical center that afternoon showed as a missed call on her cell phone, further complicating the timeline.
Tragically, Arakawa, 65 years old at the time of her death, succumbed to Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. This rare disease can infect humans through exposure to infected rodents, a risk that may have gone unnoticed. Her body was discovered on the bathroom floor of their home, raising significant concerns about the state of their living conditions. On the other hand, Gene Hackman, aged 95 and an illustrious Oscar-winning actor, passed away several days later on February 18. Authorities noted that his pacemaker recorded his last heartbeat on that date. Hackman’s death was attributed to complications related to cardiovascular illness, while advanced Alzheimer’s disease played a contributory role, underscoring the tragic deterioration of his health.
Alongside their shared love and life, Hackman and Arakawa were proud pet owners of three dogs—Zinna, a beloved Australian Kelpie mix, and two others named Bear and Nikita. In a heartbreaking twist, Zinna was found deceased in a bathroom kennel where her owner was also discovered. Fortunately, the other two dogs, Bear and Nikita, have been adopted into loving homes post-tragedy. Their well-being has been a priority, with a representative for the estates clarifying: “In response to numerous concerned inquiries about the Hackman’s dogs, both Bear and Nikita have been placed in appropriate homes. Both are safe, healthy, and adjusting to their new environments.”
Reports about the dogs revealed that the couple’s property had been left unsecured, with the front and back doors ajar, allowing Bear and Nikita to wander freely. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s office shared updates via social media, assuring the community of their efforts to ensure the dogs’ safe relocation. The Santa Fe County Animal Control Division collaborated with the family to maintain the dogs’ security during this tumultuous period.
The passing of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa marks a significant loss to both their family and the broader artistic community. Their lives intertwined in love and companionship for over three decades, now serve as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life, even for those who have borne witness to success and fame. Their story serves as both a reflection on mortality and a call to prioritize the welfare of our beloved pets during life’s unforeseen challenges.
