Update: Cause of death revealed for Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy and the family dog
(Updated March 8, 2025) As if the death of legendary actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa and the family dog weren’t sad enough, the causes of their deaths are even sadder, and a bit horrific, according to CBS News.
Officials in New Mexico say that 65-year-old Betsy died first, perhaps as much as one week before her 95-year-old husband Gene. According to the coroner, Arakawa died from the extremely rare hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a disease contracted from rodent droppings. Arakawa was her husband’s caretaker – and her passing left Hackman alone without anyone looking after him.
The coroner also revealed that Gene Hackman died of heart disease which was further complicated by the fact that he was deep in the throes of advanced Alzheimer’s disease. He could have gone from the time that his wife passed without even knowing or realizing she was gone. Hackman and his wife’s bodies were found in different rooms.
“There was no food in Hackman’s stomach, meaning he had not eaten recently before he died,” according to Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell.
Zinna, the family dog, died from starvation.
Rest in Peace Gene and Betsy
Ace News Today’s original article from February 27 announcing the deaths of Gene and Betsy appear below the video update regarding the causes of deaths for Hackman and his wife.
Video Update:
(February 27, 2025) ‘Actor Gene Hackman, his wife and dog all found dead in their New Mexico home’
Legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, and their dog were found dead inside their home outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 26, 2025. The discovery was made by a neighbor who had not seen the couple for several days and decided to check on them.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deaths and stated that there were no immediate signs of foul play. However, the exact cause of death has not yet been determined, and an investigation is ongoing.
“On February 26, 2025, at approximately 1:45 p.m., Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to an address on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park where Gene Hackman, 95 and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, and a dog were found deceased,” according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, perhaps best known for his roles in “The French Connection” and “Superman,” had retired from acting in 2004 and lived a quiet life with his wife Betsy, a former classical pianist and businesswoman. The couple had been married since 1991 and were well-known in their community for their low-profile lifestyle.
This tragic event has left fans and the entertainment industry mourning the loss of a beloved actor and his family. The authorities are expected to release more details as the investigation progresses.
For more on this breaking news, see the video accompanying this article.
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(Sources: CBS, USA Today, The Associated Press, People,)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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