Gene Hackman’s quiet impact: a legacy beyond the screen
In Santa Fe, Gene Hackman’s lesser known legacy of humility, artistry and an undeniable fingerprint on his community.
Betsy Arakawa, wife of the late actor Gene Hackman, allegedly had health concerns in the days leading up to the couple’s death, according to reports.
Following the Tuesday release of death investigation records by New Mexico police, an investigative report shows Arakawa — who was found dead alongside Hackman at their Santa Fe residence in February — made repeated online searches about illness symptoms, according to The Associated Press and The New York Times.
In a March 31 ruling, a New Mexico judge allowed the release of media records from the investigation of Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths, including audio, autopsy records and videos, provided that the material does not depict the deceased couple’s bodies.
Previously, the First Judicial District Court in New Mexico issued a temporary restraining order against the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the Medical Investigator that temporarily barred the disclosure of such records.
Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy Arakawa looked up COVID-19, flu symptoms online before death
Per AP and the Times, the investigative report stated that a review of Arakawa’s computer showed the classical pianist was researching medical conditions related to COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms between Feb. 8 and the morning of Feb. 12 (Hackman and Arakawa were found dead on Feb. 26).
Some of Arakawa’s online inquiries reportedly included the search terms, “can Covid cause dizziness?” and “Flu and nosebleeds.”
A week after Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies were discovered, the couple’s causes of death were revealed during a press conference held by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.
Gene Hackman died of natural causes, his wife died from Hantavirus
New Mexico’s chief medical examiner, Dr. Heather Jarrell, said the office’s investigation found that Hackman, 95, died of natural causes. The Oscar-winning actor also had heart disease and complications caused by Alzheimer’s disease.
Meanwhile, Arakawa, 65, died from Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease that is contracted by contact with mouse droppings.
The newly released report also reveals that Hackman was under the weather shortly before his death, according to AP and the Times. On Feb. 11, Arakawa emailed her massage therapist to cancel an appointment, explaining that Hackman had woken up with “flu/cold-like symptoms,” although she shared that he tested negative for COVID-19.
Betsy Arakawa ordered oxygen canisters from Amazon before tragic death
Records also show that Arakawa ordered oxygen canisters from Amazon for “respiratory support” the same day, per the outlets. Additionally, security footage from Feb. 11 reportedly shows Arakawa visiting shops, including a pet food store and a grocery store, while wearing a medical mask.
The day after canceling her massage therapy appointment, Arakawa searched online for a concierge medical service in Santa Fe, AP and the Times report. A subsequent review of Arakawa’s phone records by investigators showed she had a brief call with the service and missed a return call later that afternoon.
According to a search warrant affidavit released in February, authorities found Hackman in a mudroom near his cane, appearing to have fallen, while his wife was found in an open bathroom near a space heater, with an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on the nearby countertop.
A deputy observed Arakawa with “body decomposition, bloating in her face” and mummification of her hands and feet.
Health department found evidence of rodents throughout Hackman’s property: Reports
Another report from the investigation into the circumstances of Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths has also emerged this week.
CNN, TMZ and Page Six reported that an environmental assessment of the couple’s residence that was conducted in March — a week after the two were found dead — found evidence of rodents across various detached buildings around their property.
TMZ and CNN reported on April 14, while Page Six’s article was published on April 15, that the New Mexico Department of Health’s risk assessment findings included rodent feces in three garages, two casitas and three sheds. There were also reportedly one live and a dead rodent, as well as a nest in three different garages.
The assessment also reportedly noted traps had been set up in outbuildings.
USA TODAY has reached out to the New Mexico DOH for more information.
The findings are significant in light of the determination that Arakawa had died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease that is “severe and potentially deadly,” per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infection is caused by contact with rodents, “especially when exposed to their urine, droppings and saliva.”
Patients can experience symptoms anywhere from one to eight weeks after contact with an infected rodent. Signs of hantavirus infection include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headaches, chills, dizziness and abdominal issues. Following the “initial phase of illness,” a patient could develop a cough and shortness of breath due to fluid buildup in the lungs.
Since hantavirus disease surveillance began in 1993, the CDC has reported 864 cases in the U.S. through the end of 2022. Of the cases, 35% of patients died.
Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY
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