Additional Coverage:
- Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa’s bodies still unclaimed weeks after their deaths (irishstar.com)
Santa Fe, NM – Mystery surrounds the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, whose bodies remain unclaimed weeks after being discovered in their Santa Fe home. The couple were found deceased on February 26th, Ms.
Arakawa in the bathroom and Mr. Hackman near the home’s entrance.
One of their dogs was also found deceased within the residence.
Adding to the intrigue, initial speculation regarding the cause of death ranged from carbon monoxide poisoning to a possible murder-suicide. However, the Santa Fe medical examiner has since determined that Ms.
Arakawa likely died around February 12th from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare respiratory illness spread by rodents. Mr.
Hackman, who was 95 years old, is believed to have succumbed to heart disease complicated by Alzheimer’s approximately a week later, based on data retrieved from his pacemaker. The advanced state of decomposition of Ms.
Arakawa’s body further complicated the investigation.
While officials have confirmed that the bodies remain unclaimed, they emphasized that this is not unusual while families finalize funeral arrangements. The couple resided in a secluded mansion, living a private life following Mr.
Hackman’s retirement from acting. He is survived by three children from a previous marriage and his wife, Betsy, to whom he reportedly left his entire $80 million estate.
Given the age difference between Mr. Hackman and his wife, it was presumed she would handle his affairs, leaving the family potentially unprepared for the current circumstances.
It remains unclear when and where the couple will be laid to rest.