Gene Hackman, Wife & Dog’s Cause Of Death Revealed (Update)

Hollywood lost one of its shining, retired talents when Gene Hackman passed away in February. Unfortunately, the news didn’t become public until at least a week after his death. A frantic phone call led New Mexico police to discover the deceased bodies of Gene, his wife, Betsy Arakawaand one of their three dogs.

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Despite the initial mystery surrounding the deaths, investigators ruled out foul play from the start. On Friday (March 7), authorities provided more clarity about what happened at the Hackmans’ residence.

RECAP: What Deputies Documented About Gene Hackman & His Loved Ones’ Deaths

As previously reported, deputies from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call on February 26. It was early afternoon when a male security guard reported a maintenance worker’s worries about his employers not answering their front door. Police confirmed three corpses in the couple’s home when they arrived and a cracked front door.

Betsy Arakawa’s body was reportedly slightly decomposing–swollen face and mummified hands and feet. There was a space heater, a scattered bottle of pills, and one of the two living dogs near her body. The deceased dog was a few feet away, and the second living dog was roaming free.

What Caused The Family To Pass Away?

Last week, New Mexico officials revealed that Gene Hackman’s pacemaker last recorded living stats on February 18. Aside from the beginning stages of decomposition, there was no visible trauma to Betsy or Gene’s bodies. A week later, the pieces of the puzzle have come together. And, it unfortunately paints a tragic, lonely last few days for the Hollywood vet and his family.

According to The New York TimesBetsy passed away after contracting a virus named Hantavirus, which is linked to rodents. Police tracked Betsy Arakawa’s last movements, which included errands she ran on February 11. Therefore, they now believe she could’ve passed that same day. Cops found her body on a bathroom floor. The medication found near her body reportedly had nothing to do with her death. She was 65 years old.

Gene was alive when his wife died and remained alive for an additional week before collapsing and passing away from complications with heart disease. New Mexico’s chief medical examiner, Dr. Heather Jarrell, believes he died on February 18 in the couple’s mudroom. At the time of his death, Hackman was 95 and suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s. Therefore, authorities are theorizing that Gene probably didn’t realize his wife was dead.

Additionally, they’re unsure if had been able to care for himself. Though his body was not dehydrated, his stomach was empty during the autopsy. Investigators also haven’t found any evidence of him reaching out to anyone for help. His autopsy also showed severe heart disease and evidence of past heart attacks and surgeries. He tested negative for the rodent virus.

As for the couple’s dog, investigators believe the pet died of starvation or dehydration as it was inside a crate in the home. Their two living dogs, both German Shepherds, are living and receiving care.

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