Authorities have revealed the causes of death for legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, whose bodies were discovered in their Santa Fe home on Feb. 26, 2025.
Hackman, 95, died of hypertensive cardiovascular disease with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributing factor, while Arakawa, 65, succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe respiratory virus contracted through exposure to infected mouse excrement.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that there were no signs of foul play, and tests for carbon monoxide poisoning were negative. The couple’s bodies were discovered by maintenance workers, with Hackman believed to have died around February 18 and Arakawa around February 11.
Sheriff Mendoza provided further details during a news conference.
“We are confident there was no foul play involved, but we are not ruling anything out as the investigation continues,” Mendoza said.
Mendoza added that Hackman’s pacemaker last showed activity on February 17, indicating that he likely died around that time.
Arakawa was found with an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on the bathroom counter, while Hackman was found in the home’s entryway. One of the couple’s three dogs was also found dead in a crate in a bathroom closet near Arakawa, while two other dogs survived.
Gene Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, was known for his roles in iconic films such as “The French Connection,” “Unforgiven,” and “Superman.” His career spanned over four decades, earning him numerous accolades and a place in Hollywood history. Hackman retired from acting in 2004, living a quiet life with Arakawa in New Mexico.
“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,” Hackman’s family said in a released statement. “We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”
