Gene Hackman died a week after Betsy Arakawa, may have been unaware of her death because of Alzheimer's
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman was found to have been suffering from 'advanced' Alzheimer's disease, which may have left him unaware that his wife Betsy Arakawa's death, authorities in New Mexico revealed at a press conference on Friday, March 7.
Hackman, 95, and his wife, 65, were discovered in their Santa Fe home on February 26. Their bodies were found in advanced stages of decomposition.
Gene Hackman succumbed to advanced Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease after living for about a week with the decomposing body of his dead wife Betsy Arakawa, who died from a rare rat-borne disease. pic.twitter.com/KOJJg7k8TW
— liten drage (@DrageLiten) March 7, 2025
Gene Hackman likely died seven days after his wife’s death
New Mexico Chief Medical Examiner Heather Jarrell confirmed the findings during the press conference, stating that after an autopsy, Gene Hackman’s brain showed signs of advanced Alzheimer's, as well as heart disease and hypertension, all of which contributed to his death, People reported.
Authorities also noted that it was likely Hackman died a week after his wife which means he likely lived with a dead wife. Betsy’s cause of death was determined to be hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease caused by a flu-like virus spread through rodent droppings.
Her last known communications were recorded on February 11. Meanwhile, Hackman’s pacemaker showed activity six days later, on February 17, leading Jarrell to conclude that it was "reasonable" to assume that Betsy died first, with Hackman dying seven days later on February 18.
Jarrell described Hackman as being "in a very poor state of health" at the time of his death, noting that no food was found in his stomach, suggesting he had not eaten for some time. However, there was no evidence of dehydration.
“I can tell you that he was in an advanced state of Alzheimer's, and it’s quite possible that he was not aware that she was deceased,” Jarrell said.
Gene Hackman and wife found dead in Santa Fe home
Gene Hackman was found collapsed in a mudroom of the home, while Betsy Arakawa was discovered in a bathroom near a countertop scattered with pills. Their dog, Zinna, was found dead in a crate near Betsy.
The pet had recently undergone a procedure and will undergo a necropsy. Two other dogs were found alive on the property. Authorities confirmed that there was no indication of carbon monoxide poisoning or other gas-related issues, although a "minuscule" gas leak was discovered on one of their stove burners.
However, it was not at a lethal level, and authorities do not believe foul play was involved.
Hackman, who enjoyed a long and successful acting career, retired to Santa Fe in the mid-2000s after winning two Oscars. He and Betsy, a classical pianist, had been married since 1991.
