Santa Fe, New Mexico, March: Authorities in New Mexico have disclosed the causes of death of Hollywood icon Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who had been married since 1991.
On Friday, Dr. Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Examiner for New Mexico, shared the findings from the Office of the Medical Investigator during a press conference. She revealed that Betsy Arakawa likely passed away first, with Hackman’s pacemaker recording data until February 17, indicating his death occurred days later. Arakawa was last seen alive on February 11.
Cause of Death: Betsy Arakawa
Dr. Jarrell confirmed that Arakawa, 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, with the manner of death classified as natural.
"The autopsy and full-body post-mortem CT examination revealed no signs of internal or external trauma. Microscopic findings were consistent with coronavirus pulmonary syndrome, though laboratory tests confirmed no trace of COVID-19 or influenza," Dr. Jarrell stated. She added that carbon monoxide poisoning was ruled out and that Arakawa’s thyroid medication was being taken as prescribed, with no indication of it contributing to her death.
Cause of Death: Gene Hackman
Regarding Hackman, 95, Dr. Jarrell identified hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease as the primary cause of death, with Alzheimer’s disease noted as a significant contributing factor.
"The autopsy and post-mortem CT scan revealed severe heart disease, multiple prior heart surgeries, evidence of past heart attacks, and significant kidney damage due to chronic high blood pressure. However, we cannot confirm that heart failure was the immediate cause of death," she stated.
Investigation and Initial Findings
The Oscar-winning actor and his wife were discovered deceased at their Santa Fe residence on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, along with one of their dogs. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office initially reported that there were no signs of foul play.
Preliminary medical examinations found no external trauma on either individual. A statement from the Sheriff’s Office noted: "In the early hours of Thursday, February 27, Hackman and Arakawa were transported to the Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI). An autopsy was performed, and initial findings noted no external trauma."
The couple’s deaths were brought to authorities' attention by a maintenance worker conducting pest control at the property, who became concerned after not seeing them for an extended period. Investigators discovered Hackman’s body in a mudroom, while Arakawa was found next to a space heater in a bathroom. Two other dogs were found alive on the property, one indoors and one outside.
Family Statement
Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, along with his granddaughter, Annie, expressed their sorrow in a statement to the PA news agency.
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy. He was loved and admired by millions worldwide for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was simply Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by this loss."
Hackman, widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s greatest actors, and Arakawa, a classical pianist, were married for over three decades.
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