Gene Hackman passed away due to complications from advanced Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular disease after reportedly spending approximately one week in the presence of his deceased wife, Betsy Arakawa. Arakawa, aged 65, was determined through autopsy findings to have died on February 11 from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a rare disease transmitted by rodents.
Gene Hackman, aged 95, passed away approximately seven days later, around February 18, before the couple’s mummified remains were discovered in separate rooms of their $3.8 million Santa Fe residence on February 26. Dr. Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Investigator for the state of New Mexico, confirmed that both deaths had been classified as natural, with no evidence of internal or external trauma.
Authorities also noted that the couple’s dog, Zinna, was found deceased near Arakawa. Records indicate the animal had been discharged from a veterinary hospital on February 9 following a medical procedure, which may account for its presence inside a kennel at the time of discovery.
In response to media inquiries, Dr. Jarrell further suggested that, given Hackman’s advanced Alzheimer’s disease, he may not have been aware of his wife’s passing.#newsafro_
