Medical Examiner Reveals What Killed Gene Hackman and Wife

Gene Hackman at a book signing in 2008. Photo by Trish Overton under CC BY 2.0.

The mysterious deaths of Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have left more questions than answers. The couple was found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on Feb. 26, 2025, setting off a whirlwind of speculation and public fascination. After weeks of silence, the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office has finally shared key details — but the circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unsettling.

Who Found Them — and What Did They See?

Two maintenance workers made the grisly discovery after spotting the bodies through the windows of the couple's secluded mountaintop home. Hackman, 95, lay near the kitchen with his walking cane and sunglasses close by. Arakawa, 65, was in a bathroom with scattered pills on the counter and a space heater knocked over near her head. One of their three dogs, a kelpie mix named Zinna, was found dead in a crate in the same bathroom. Their other two dogs, Nikita and Bear, were found alive.

The home's front door was ajar when authorities arrived, but the initial 911 call added to the confusion. The worker who called 911 reported that the home was locked and he couldn't get inside. But when deputies arrived, they found the door open. This discrepancy fueled speculation about whether someone had entered the house before the bodies were discovered.

What Killed Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa?

Investigators ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning and gas leaks early on. On March 7, 2025, authorities announced that tests results revealed that Hackman died of heart disease, with complications from Alzheimer's disease playing a significant role. His pacemaker showed its last recorded activity on Feb. 17, 2025, suggesting he likely died that day — 9 days before his body was found.

Arakawa's cause of death was more unusual — and far more troubling. She died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but deadly disease contracted from exposure to rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. She was last seen alive on Feb. 11, 2025, when surveillance footage captured her running errands at a CVS and a pet store.

If the timeline holds, it's possible that Hackman may have lived alone with his wife's body for nearly a week.

Why Didn't Hackman Call for Help?

Since authorities now believe Arakawa died first, the focus has shifted to why Hackman didn't call for help. Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell said Hackman "showed evidence of advanced Alzheimer's disease," according to CNN. This might explain part of the mystery, she explained, saying Hackman was in a "very poor state of health" and might not have realized his wife had died or been capable of calling for help. "He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately that is what resulted in his death," Jarrell said, according to CNN.

However, a Hackman family spokesperson denied reports that he had Alzheimer's, telling CNN those claims are "wholly untrue."

How Did Arakawa Contract Hantavirus?

That's the million-dollar question. Hantavirus rarely spreads to humans, and even more rarely in modern, well-maintained homes like Hackman's. Investigators haven't found any obvious signs of rodent activity in the house, leaving them scrambling for answers.

What Happens Next?

Authorities plan to release body camera footage from the scene in the coming weeks. They also continue to examine the couple's home for signs of rodent activity and interview witnesses, including maintenance workers and security staff at the gated community.

Despite the bizarre circumstances, some experts believe the case may not have a dramatic twist. Ron Martinelli, a law enforcement expert, told CNN, "It's a tragic case. Is it a case of interest? Sure. I think Gene Hackman was one of America's greatest actors. As far as the death, it's a slightly unusual death. But unless they determine that anything criminal happened, right now, it's a medical mystery."

A Hollywood Icon Lost

Gene Hackman's death marks the end of a legendary career. Known for his iconic roles in films such as "The French Connection," "Unforgiven," and "The Birdcage," Hackman's performances blended raw intensity with everyman charm. Clint Eastwood, who directed Hackman in "Unforgiven," told USA Today, "There was no finer actor than Gene. Intense and instinctive. Never a false note."

Hackman's daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, along with his granddaughter, Annie, released a statement to USA Today: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy. He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely."

Gene Hackman's passing has left a hole in Hollywood and in the hearts of his fans. As authorities continue to investigate, the world watches and waits for answers.

References: Investigators will provide update on mysterious deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife amid intense pressure for answers | After Mysterious Deaths of Gene Hackman and Wife, a Pathologist Wonders: Why Wasn't 911 Called Right Away? | Hackman died of heart disease and his wife died of hantavirus, investigators say | Gene Hackman cause of death released