Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa laid to rest in private funeral nearly two months after deaths
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have finally been laid to rest nearly two months after their tragic deaths after a private memorial. The couple were found dead at their Santa Fe home on February 26.
The deaths sparked numerous theories and led to changes in the timeline of events provided by authorities until the truth of what happened was eventually uncovered.
Gene Hackman's children attend private memorial in Santa Fe
The private service was held in Santa Fe and attended by Gene Hackman’s three children — son Christopher and daughters Elizabeth and Leslie.
The family gathered with close friends to honor the lives of the actor and his wife after their sudden deaths, People reported.
Gene and Betsy Hackman were discovered in their Santa Fe Summit residence, along with their dog, a kelpie mix named Zinna, on February 26. Two other dogs on the property were found alive.
Authorities later revealed the causes of their deaths. Betsy died on February 12 from hantavirus, a disease associated with rodent droppings.
Hackman died six days later, on February 18, due to a combination of severe heart disease, high blood pressure, and advanced Alzheimer’s disease.
Zinna, the dog found with the couple, likely died of dehydration and starvation, according to Santa Fe County animal control.
The bodies on discovery showed signs of mummification and bloating.
Rodent infestation found at Gene Hackman's property after their deaths
Following the deaths, the New Mexico Department of Health conducted a full environmental assessment of the Hackman property in early March.
Records obtained by CNN revealed rodent feces and carcasses in multiple outbuildings, including three garages, two casitas, and three sheds.
A live rodent, a dead one, and a nest were discovered inside the detached garages, making the area a “breeding ground” for hantavirus, according to TMZ.
The risk assessment was carried out on March 5 to protect first responders and family members who accessed the property.
According to New Mexico State Public Health Veterinarian Erin Phipps, the primary residence showed no signs of rodent activity and appeared clean.
However, eight other structures were accessible to rodents, and two vehicles — either in use or abandoned — showed evidence of nests and feces. Live traps were also found in some outbuildings.
Internet mourns Gene Hackman and his wife following burial news
As news of the couple’s burial spread, many people took to social media to share their grief.
“What a sad story,” commented one person on Instagram.
Another wrote, “Friends? Family? Where were they when no one claimed their bodies such a shame 💔😢🤬.”
“Rest in peace,” added one commenter. “Let them both Rest In Peace finally.”
On X, another user shared, “What a tragic ending.”
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
