Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home late last month, shocking the entertainment world. Early reports suggested carbon monoxide poisoning or foul play, though authorities later confirmed there was “no suspicion of criminal activity.”
On Friday, toxicology results revealed both died of natural causes. Arakawa succumbed to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, “an exceedingly rare and often fatal illness contracted from exposure to rodent droppings or urine.” Hackman, suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s, was left alone after her death, unaware of what had happened.
As The Guardian reported, Arakawa had been Hackman’s primary caregiver. After her death, he became disoriented and was unable to seek help. “He likely wasn’t even aware that his wife had died,” investigators said.
According to the Daily Mail, close friend Tom Allin revealed Hackman “didn’t own a phone and was uninterested in technology.” An insider added, “Mrs. Hackman died, and Gene was so far advanced with his Alzheimer’s that he was wandering around and didn’t eat.”
Tragically, one of their three dogs, Zinna, was also found dead in a crate.
Rest in peace, Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.
