Investigation Continues Following Announcement of Hackman and Wife’s Causes of Death

March 7, 2025 TruthUSA

Betsy Arakawa was confirmed to have passed away due to complications from a hantavirus infection, while Gene Hackman succumbed to heart disease.

On March 7, New Mexico officials announced that the ongoing criminal investigation into the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his spouse Betsy Arakawa will persist until all remaining “loopholes” are addressed, affirming that both individuals died from natural causes.

At the time of their discovery on February 26 in their Santa Fe residence, Hackman was 95 and Arakawa was 65.

It was determined that Arakawa died from a hantavirus infection, while Hackman was found to have heart disease complicated by Alzheimer’s. However, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office has not concluded its investigation, as data from cell phones and Hackman’s pacemaker remains incomplete.

“We are still awaiting data from the cellphones, though it seems unlikely they will yield significant new information,” Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated during a press briefing on March 7.

Arakawa, being 30 years younger than Hackman, served as his caregiver and is believed to have died on February 11, prior to his passing. There is a possibility that Hackman was unaware of his wife’s death.

“In cases of heart failure, we often observe fluid accumulation around the lungs and congestion in the liver,” elaborated New Mexico’s chief medical examiner, Heather Jarrell said. “In Hackman’s case, I did not observe such fluid, but he was known to have severe heart disease, which places him at higher risk for abnormal heart rhythms requiring a pacemaker.”

Actor Gene Hackman arrives with his wife Betsy Arakawa for the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Jan. 19, 2003. (Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo) — Actor Gene Hackman arrives with his wife Betsy Arakawa for the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Jan. 19, 2003. Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo

Hantaviruses are transmitted by rodents and vermin and lead to pulmonary conditions, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Without medical intervention, a person can deteriorate rapidly within 24 to 48 hours,” Jarrell noted. “It is not uncommon to find someone collapsed on the floor during a terminal episode, which may have been the case here.”

Even though the sheriff’s office has ruled out foul play and carbon monoxide poisoning, when questioned about the ongoing investigation and body camera footage, Mendoza indicated that such footage would be made public in accordance with the law.

“We will continue to keep this investigation open until all uncertainties regarding the cellphones are resolved and we conclude the necropsy results of the dog, among other pending details,” Mendoza added.

The pet dog discovered in a crate is believed to have died of starvation and is not thought to be linked to the hantavirus.

When asked if there were concerns about larger public health implications, Jarrell confirmed, “The CDC is aware of this situation. Hantavirus is classified as a nationally notifiable condition. All cases of hantavirus are reported to them. While we regret to see such cases each year, we’re not currently observing any unusual trends.”

Hackman is renowned for being a five-time Oscar nominee and achieving best actor accolades for “The French Connection” in 1972. He also won best actor in a supporting role for “Unforgiven” and played pivotal roles in several acclaimed films, such as “The Conversation,” “The Royal Tenenbaums,” and “Hoosiers.”

“He was in notably poor health,” remarked Jarrell. “He had considerable heart disease, which I believe ultimately led to his passing. My examination of fluid levels did not show signs of dehydration, but I identified symptoms of severely impaired kidney function.”

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