Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy called doctor seeking 'esoteric treatment' a day after her assumed death date

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: The tragic and perplexing deaths of Betsy Arakawa, 65, and her husband, legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, have taken yet another twist as new details emerge.

Authorities have updated the timeline surrounding Arakawa's death after it was discovered that she made a distress call to a medical facility, contradicting the initial post-mortem findings, as per Irish Star.

The circumstances surrounding the couple’s death remain shrouded in mystery, with theories ranging from a murder-suicide to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Santa Fe sheriff confirms Besty Arakawa's calls for medical help

The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that Betsy Arakawa made three calls to Cloudberry Health on the morning of February 12, seeking medical assistance.

Dr Josiah Child, her physician, revealed that she inquired about "esoteric treatment" and described experiencing "some congestion".

However, she did not report respiratory distress, shortness of breath, or chest pain—symptoms commonly associated with hantavirus, the illness later identified as the cause of her death.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza acknowledged the significance of these calls, stating, "That would indicate to me that she was seeking medical advice or medical help and may not have been feeling well."

Dr Child further elaborated that his office attempted to call her back twice but received no response.

Adding another layer of mystery, he disclosed that Arakawa had previously canceled an appointment, citing concerns over her husband's deteriorating health.

Doctor challenges autopsy timeline in Besty Arakawa's hantavirus death

Initial autopsy findings suggested that Betsy Arakawa succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome on February 11, while Hackman died a week later due to heart failure and complications from Alzheimer's.

However, Dr Child challenged this timeline with a revelation that alters the entire sequence of events:

"Mrs Hackman didn’t die on February 11 because she called my clinic on February 12."

The doctor expressed his confusion over the case, particularly since most hantavirus victims die in hospitals, not at home.

The lack of severe symptoms in Arakawa's recorded conversations raises further questions about the true nature of her illness and the circumstances of her death.

As speculation intensifies, a New Mexico court has stepped in to shield sensitive details from public disclosure.

On March 17, an interim injunction was granted at the request of Julia Peters, representing the Hackman estate.

This ruling prohibits the release of, photos and videos of Hackman, Arakawa, their home, or deceased pets; autopsy results; reports from the ongoing death investigation.

The court’s decision aims to protect the family’s privacy, as ensured under the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution.