The tragic deaths of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, have taken an unexpected turn, with police confirming the case remains open due to lingering “loopholes.”
A full investigation
The couple was found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, mansion on February 26, alongside one of their dogs, Zinna.
Though it was initially reported that foul play was not suspected in the deaths of the couple – married more than 30 years – later updates suggested that aspects of the scene had been peculiar enough to warrant a full investigation.
Authorities have since revealed that Arakawa passed away first, on February 11, after contracting Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome — a rare and often fatal disease spread by rodents. Hackman, who was suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s, reportedly died around February 18, unable to care for himself in the days following her death. The Oscar-winning actor was likely disoriented and unaware that his wife had passed away, making it impossible for him to seek help.
Hackman’s pacemaker recorded its last heartbeat on February 18, suggesting he may have died a full week after Arakawa. Their partially mummified bodies were discovered after a maintenance worker, concerned by the lack of response at the door, alerted security.
As per The Guardian, Arakawa had become Hackman’s primary caregiver in recent years. The two-time Oscar winning actor had developed Alzheimer’s disease and was incapable of carrying out simple tasks. As such, Arakawa ran their household and ensured her husband stayed active and safe.
Despite both deaths being ruled natural and with no signs of foul play, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza insists the case won’t be closed just yet.
Police still investigating key “loopholes”
During a press conference on Friday last week, Mendoza made it clear that while authorities believe they have a solid timeline, there are still unanswered questions.
“We consider this an open investigation until we close the loopholes of the cell phone, until we finish out the necropsy results of the canine and the other loose ends that we need to tie up,” he said.
Investigators have seized two cell phones from the couple’s home, hoping to examine their communications in the days leading up to their deaths. However, Mendoza admitted that any new revelations are unlikely:
“I don’t know if he used cell phones or technology or emails, there’s no indication of that. So right now, there is no activity from Mr. Hackman.”
What really happened in Hackman’s final days?
One of the biggest remaining questions is whether Arakawa had reached out to anyone about feeling unwell before she passed. Mendoza says police are looking for any clues in her messages:
“Again, we’re going through some of the communications, and I think the cell phones may have some indications of that prior to the 11th. But as of this moment, I don’t have any information that she was indicating that she was feeling ill during any communication.”
Hantavirus infections are rare but deadly, often occurring when people inhale particles from infected mouse droppings — particularly in poorly ventilated areas. The virus is most commonly reported in spring and summer.
As the investigation continues, police are also awaiting necropsy results on Zinna, the couple’s deceased dog, which may provide further insight into what happened inside their home.
For now, the mystery surrounding Gene Hackman’s final days remains unsolved —but authorities are determined to piece together every last detail.
Rest in peace, Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.
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