The heartbreaking details surrounding the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been revealed by New Mexico authorities.

Officials confirmed that Hackman, 95, lived for a full week with the body of his deceased wife before succumbing to complications from heart disease and advanced Alzheimer’s.

Tragic Timeline Unfolds

Authorities believe that Arakawa, 65, likely died on February 11 from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and deadly disease linked to rodents. 

The “French Connection” star, who had late-stage Alzheimer’s, likely passed away on February 18. 

Their bodies were discovered on February 26 at their Santa Fe mansion by maintenance and security workers.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that February 11 was the last day Arakawa left their home or sent any communications. At a press conference, New Mexico Chief Medical Examiner Heather Jarrell stated that Arakawa likely died of the virus that same day.

Hackman’s Final Days

Hackman, who had hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease along with Alzheimer’s, tested negative for hantavirus. His last recorded pacemaker activity was detected on February 17, leading officials to believe he died the following day.

“He was in a very poor state of health,” Jarrell said. “It was quite possible he did not know that she was deceased.”

Jarrell further noted that Hackman was not dehydrated at the time of his death but had no food in his stomach. This suggests that, despite his condition, he may have continued drinking water but was unable to consume solid food.

The Devastating Effects of Hantavirus

Arakawa likely contracted hantavirus after being exposed to rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome starts with flu-like symptoms, including fever and nausea, and rapidly progresses to severe breathing difficulties. In the United States, the disease is extremely rare, with only 865 reported cases between 1993 and 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. New Mexico has had the highest number of cases.

Officials reported that there was evidence of rodent entry around the couple’s home, but the risk level inside the primary residence was considered low.

Disturbing Discovery

The couple was found in separate rooms of their multimillion-dollar home. Hackman was discovered in the mudroom near his cane and sunglasses, while Arakawa was found in a bathroom with an open prescription bottle and scattered pills on the counter.

One of their three dogs, Zinna, was found dead in a crate in the bathroom closet near Arakawa. Their two other dogs, Bear, a German Shepherd, and Nikita, an Akita-Shepherd mix, were found alive, roaming the house and property.

Sheriff Mendoza stated that Zinna’s remains were being examined to determine the cause of death. The dog had undergone a veterinary procedure on February 9, which may explain why it was confined in a crate.

No Signs of Foul Play

The couple’s bodies had begun decomposing and partially mummifying due to the dry climate and high altitude of Santa Fe, which sits at the southern edge of the Rocky Mountains.

Autopsies performed on February 27 revealed no external or internal signs of trauma. Authorities initially deemed the deaths suspicious but later ruled that both Hackman and Arakawa died of natural causes.

Arakawa’s Final Moments

Authorities were able to piece together Arakawa’s last known activities. On February 9, she picked up Zinna from the vet. On February 11, she exchanged emails with her massage therapist in the morning, visited a farmers market in the afternoon, and later stopped at a CVS Pharmacy and a pet store. That evening, she used her remote clicker to enter the gated community where she and Hackman lived.

A Life and Love Remembered

Hackman and Arakawa shared more than three decades together, having married in 1991. The two-time Oscar-winning actor, known for roles in films such as The French Connection and Unforgiven, had largely retreated from public life in his later years.

Their deaths mark the tragic end of a Hollywood icon and his beloved wife, leaving behind a legacy of cinematic excellence and a love story that endured until their final days.

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