Additional Coverage:
- Investigators in Gene Hackman’s death release footage from inside home, wife Betsy’s online search history (foxnews.com)
Santa Fe, NM – Newly released information sheds light on the final days of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa Hackman. Documents and video footage from the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department, obtained following a court order, reveal Betsy’s concerns about COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms in the period leading up to the couple’s deaths.
Betsy’s internet search history shows repeated searches related to flu and COVID symptoms between February 8th and 10th, 2025. These searches included inquiries about nosebleeds, dizziness, and COVID-19.
An email to her massage therapist on February 11th confirmed that Gene had experienced “flu/cold-like symptoms” and had tested negative for COVID-19. Out of caution, Betsy cancelled her massage appointment.
Her final searches on February 12th focused on hyperbaric oxygen therapy and a local health center, Cloudberry Health.
The couple, along with one of their dogs, were found deceased in their Santa Fe home on February 26th. Betsy’s cause of death was determined to be hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
Gene died from hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease listed as a significant contributing factor. It’s believed Gene survived approximately a week after Betsy’s death, with his pacemaker recording activity until around February 18th.
Bodycam footage from the scene shows one of the surviving dogs seemingly guarding Betsy’s body. Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya noted that while Betsy was found quickly, it took nearly 30 minutes to locate Gene. A third dog was also found deceased, likely from dehydration and starvation.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza expressed condolences to the Hackman family while acknowledging the need for public transparency. He emphasized the department’s commitment to balancing these responsibilities while respecting the family’s grief. The investigation included interviews with individuals connected to the Hackmans, including Betsy’s massage therapist, who offered insights into the couple’s activities and health in the weeks prior to their deaths.