Details on the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife

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    Authorities in northern New Mexico have disclosed police body camera footage and other public files as part of their investigation into the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The couple was discovered deceased at their Santa Fe residence on February 26. Hackman, aged 95, succumbed to heart disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a contributing factor, approximately a week following Arakawa’s death from hantavirus at the age of 65.

    According to records shared by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, Arakawa’s activities in the days leading up to her death included emails, phone calls, and online searches that centered on flu-like symptoms and medical assistance. From February 8 to the morning of February 12, she researched conditions related to COVID-19 and communicated about rescheduling a massage appointment after Hackman exhibited cold symptoms on February 11.

    Arakawa also investigated a medical concierge service on February 12, although she failed to follow up on a brief phone call she initiated with them, which lasted less than two minutes. The public records, sanctioned for release by the court except for images of the couple’s bodies, depict a scene devoid of forced entry and list prescription medications in the home, further noted in recordings by officials on the case.

    All visual and document records from the case were initially restricted by court order due to privacy concerns raised by Hackman’s estate and Arakawa’s family. However, intervention by media outlets led to a partial overruling, allowing disclosure without displaying images of the deceased couple.

    A summary from the investigation indicated both deaths resulted from natural causes, as stated by chief medical examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell. Hackman’s demise was linked to heart disease compounded by Alzheimer’s, while Arakawa’s was attributed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but serious respiratory illness transmitted from rodent droppings. This was substantiated by findings of rodent feces outdoors, despite the home’s interior showing no rodent presence.

    Hackman, renowned for his extensive acting career with iconic roles such as Lex Luthor in “Superman” and a basketball coach in “Hoosiers,” retired in the early 2000s after a distinguished career crowned with two Oscar wins. Meanwhile, Arakawa, who had a diverse background from performing in youth concerts to working as a TV production assistant, crossed paths with Hackman in the 1980s, leading to their relocation to Santa Fe where they quietly lived for decades.

    The Hackman residence, a Pueblo revival style dwelling situated within a gated community that offers expansive views of the Rocky Mountains, served as a serene refuge. Known to mingle less frequently with the public in his later years, Hackman focused on hobbies like painting, diving, and novel writing, ensuring his enduring presence within both artistic and literary circles.