Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home this past February. Initially, uncertainty surrounded their passing, leading to speculation about the legendary actor’s final moments. However, authorities have since confirmed that Hackman died of natural causes.
Having shared over three decades of marriage, Hackman and Arakawa lived a quiet life away from Hollywood’s glare. New details have now emerged, shedding light on the actor’s final years and his struggles with aging. A close friend revealed that Hackman had become increasingly preoccupied with the toll of getting older, both physically and emotionally.
Their deaths came to light when a caretaker made a 911 call just before 2 p.m., alerting authorities to a distressing scene. Upon arrival, law enforcement determined that the couple had been deceased for some time. In a heartfelt statement, Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, along with his granddaughter, Annie, expressed their grief, describing him as not only a Hollywood icon but a devoted father and grandfather whose absence would leave an immeasurable void.
“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 around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss,” the family shared.
Following the discovery, the sheriff’s office conducted carbon monoxide and toxicology tests to rule out any external causes. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza later confirmed that no signs of foul play were found. With no evidence of a struggle or missing belongings, authorities concluded that the deaths were not linked to any criminal activity.
CNN later obtained the 911 call, offering more insight into the discovery. The distressed maintenance workers who found the couple reported seeing the two bodies through a window but were unable to gain entry. The shaken voice of the caller underscored the gravity of the situation.
The news of Hackman’s passing sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond. His daughter, Leslie, attempted to quell speculation, stating that there had been no prior health concerns. Despite being 94, she described her father as being in excellent shape, practicing yoga and Pilates multiple times a week. He had not undergone any recent surgeries and, by all accounts, remained relatively healthy for his age.
Still, further investigation revealed that Hackman’s health had been deteriorating more than his family had realized. A week after his passing, Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell confirmed that he had succumbed to coronary artery disease. However, what shocked many was the revelation that his wife had died a week earlier from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare and severe respiratory illness typically contracted through exposure to infected rodents. Her passing was estimated to have occurred on February 11, while Hackman’s was determined to have taken place on February 18.
Reports indicated that Hackman, who was in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, may not have fully comprehended his wife’s death. Dr. Jarrell suggested that his cognitive decline likely prevented him from recognizing that she had passed, meaning he may have spent his final days unaware of her absence.
Born in San Bernardino, California, on January 30, 1930, Hackman’s early years were marked by constant relocation as his family moved from town to town in search of work. His mother worked as a waitress, while his father operated a printing press. Eventually, they settled in Danville, Illinois, but Hackman found little interest in school. At just 16, he lied about his age to enlist in the Marines, seeking adventure and purpose. However, a severe motorbike accident ultimately ended his military career, leading him to search for a new path.
