Quote from Oladosun Joshua Segun on March 7, 2025, 7:35 PM

The news hit hard: Betsy Arakawa, wife of the legendary actor Gene Hackman, passed away just one week before him. It's a shocking turn of events that has left many wondering what happened. Gene Hackman, known for his incredible performances in films like "The French Connection" & "Unforgiven," shared a long and loving relationship with Betsy.

What exactly happened in those final moments? How did this tragic event unfold? Betsy and Gene Hackman were found at their home in New Mexico.

Two weeks after the police found the couple—as well as one of their three dogs dead inside their New Mexico home on Feb. 26, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza held a press conference alongside the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator and the New Mexico Department of Health to give updates in their investigation.

The officials revealed that Arakawa likely passed away around Feb. 11 one week before Hackman's pacemaker recorded his last activity from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe respiratory illness caused by a family of viruses that are transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents.

The 65-year-old had been seen on visiting a local grocery store, pet food shop and CVS pharmacy that day, according to Mendoza. Surveillance footage showed her returning to the gated community where she and Hackman lived around 4:54 p.m.

While Arakawa was active on email in prior days, "numerous" messages were left unopened on her computer on the night of Feb. 11, according to Mendoza. He said there was no additional outgoing email communication from Arakawa after that night, leading investigators to believe she died at home some time around then.

Hackman's cause of death has been ruled as hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or hardening of the arteries with Alzheimer's disease as a significant contributing factor, according to authorities.

During the press conference, medical investigator Heather Jarrell noted that the 95-year-old was in an "advanced state" of Alzheimer's a neurodegenerative brain disorder and it was "quite possible that he was not aware" Arakawa had died.

Betsy Arakawa was more than just Gene Hackman's wife. Betsy Arakawa lived a private life before her marriage to Hackman. Details about her upbringing and career are not widely known. She preferred to stay out of the spotlight.

Betsy's life changed when she married Gene Hackman. They shared a strong bond and supported each other. Though she avoided the limelight, she occasionally appeared with Hackman at events. Together, they enjoyed a quiet life away from Hollywood.

"He was in a very poor state of health," Jarrell said. "He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately that is what resulted in his in his death."

And though there was no food in Hackman's stomach at the time of his death, Jarrell said she "did not see evidence of dehydration." Authorities believe Hackman died around Feb. 17 due to the readings on his pacemaker.

According to a Feb. 26 search warrant affidavit obtained, Hackman was found dead in a mudroom. A deputy noted he believes the Birdcage actor may have suddenly fallen. Arakawa was found on the floor of a bathroom with a bottle of prescription pills on the counter and scattered on the surface, and a space heater near her head.

Both bodies showed mummification and Arakawa showed signs of “body decomposition,” according to the affidavit.  Gene Hackman's career is one for the ages. But what was he like in his final years?

Gene Hackman is celebrated for his outstanding acting career. He won numerous awards, including two Academy Awards. His performances in "The French Connection," "Unforgiven," & "Mississippi Burning" are unforgettable. Hackman's talent left a lasting impact on cinema.

The sheriff also confirmed at a Feb. 28 press conference, “At the time of death, they were negative for carbon monoxide, which means to me that is possibly ruled out” as a cause of death.

Amid the investigation, Morgan Freeman who costarred alongside Hackman in Unforgiven and Under Suspicion—honored his contributions to the film industry at the 2025 Oscars, describing him as “a generous performer."

"Gene always said, ‘I don't think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work,’” Freeman said during the March 2 ceremony “So I think I speak for us all when I say, Gene, you will be remembered for that and for so much more. Rest in peace, my friend.”

Hackman retired from acting in 2004. He pursued other interests, including writing novels. He enjoyed a quiet life with Betsy in New Mexico, far from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. His retirement allowed him to focus on personal passions.

Betsy Arakawa passed away peacefully at home. Gene was by her side during her final moments. This marked the beginning of a tragic end.

Natural causes are suspected in both deaths. Given their ages, health issues could have played a role. There's no evidence to suggest foul play.

The deaths of Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman are a profound loss. Their love story and life together touched many. While the timeline provides some clarity, questions may remain. Their memory will live on in the hearts of family, friends, and fans.