In a shocking turn of events, Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home alongside their dog last month. Maintenance workers alerted authorities on February 26 when they noticed the couple through a window.
Upon arrival, police discovered Arakawa's body in a bathroom, exhibiting signs of decomposition, while Hackman was found in a mudroom. Initial investigations ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as a cause of death.
New Mexico's chief medical examiner released findings on Friday, revealing that Betsy Arakawa died from Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and serious illness contracted through contact with rodent droppings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that Hantaviruses are primarily spread by rodents and are not transmissible between humans.
Gene Hackman, who had a history of heart disease and Alzheimer’s complications, reportedly passed away from natural causes, likely around February 18, based on the last recorded activity of his pacemaker. The medical investigator noted that Hackman was in a poor state of health prior to his passing.
Evidence suggests that Arakawa likely died first, around February 11, with the last known communication from her occurring shortly before then. Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that the investigation remains open, as there are still "other loose ends to tie up."
A timeline compiled from video footage and email records indicates that Arakawa was active in the days leading to her death, including picking up their dog from a veterinary clinic and running errands.
This tragic incident has left the Santa Fe community and fans of the couple in mourning, as new details about their final days continue to unfold.
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