BREAKING: Cause Of Death Announced For Actor Gene Hackman, Wife Betsy Arakawa

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When legendary actor Gene Hackman, his wife, and their dog were found dead at their home last month, the news sparked widespread speculation regarding the causes.

While authorities indicated at the time that there was no indication of foul play, it wasn’t until Friday that any specifics were announced regarding the investigation and autopsies.

According to NewsNation:

Investigators released the cause of death for Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, more than a week after both were found dead in their home near Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Chief Medical Investigator Heather Jarrell said after autopsies were performed, it was determined that Arakawa died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and Hackman died of severe heart disease and high blood pressure along with Alzheimer’s disease.

Investigators noted there is no reliable, scientific way to determine the exact date of death but based on the investigation, they believe Arakawa died first, with her last known activity on Feb. 11, 2025. Hackman was believed to have died around Feb. 18, based on activity from his pacemaker, which showed atrial fibrillation.

The dog that was deceased had recently seen a vet, which could explain why it was crated when the other dogs were not. A necropsy was performed and the results are pending.

News of the deaths and the subsequent update have been the topic of ample social media tributes:

CBS News also covered the circumstances surrounding the deaths:

Hackman’s body was found in a mudroom near the kitchen with a cane and sunglasses nearby, according to an affidavit for a search warrant.

The sheriff’s office found medication for blood pressure and thyroid issues as well as Tylenol during a search of the home, according to an inventory of the search filed in court. Some pills were scattered on a bathroom countertop near where Arakawa’s body was found, according to the affidavit. Mendoza wouldn’t say who was prescribed the medication, citing patient privacy laws.

One of the couple’s three dogs also was found dead in a crate near Arakawa, while their two other dogs were found alive.

Here’s a clip from Friday’s news conference:



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