I Think He Didn’t Understand That She Was Dead’: Pathologist Revealed Details About Gene Hackman’s Final Days After His Wife Passed Away

Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, lived a quiet life in their Santa Fe home away from Hollywood’s spotlight. However, in February 2025, their deaths shocked the community. Arakawa, who was seen running errands on February 11, suddenly went silent, and friends became concerned when she didn’t pick up an order from her local veterinary hospital. Authorities later confirmed that Arakawa had died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a rare disease transmitted by rodents. The virus likely caused her to collapse and die inside the home, with no one around to help.

Hackman, who suffered from advanced Alzheimer’s, was left alone in the house after his wife’s death. Investigators believe he may not have realized she was gone or understood the need to call for help. His pacemaker data indicated his passing likely occurred on February 18. During those days, Hackman may have wandered the house, eating whatever he could find and drinking water from the sink. The couple’s secluded home meant no one noticed anything unusual until a maintenance worker discovered their bodies, revealing the tragic outcome.