Santa Fe Authorities Confirm Gene Hackman's Cause of Death as Heart Disease and Alzheimer's

Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26, 2025, following a welfare check by local authorities. Officials confirmed Friday (March 7th) that Hackman, 95, succumbed to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with advanced Alzheimer's disease as a significant contributing factor.

Arakawa, 65, died roughly a week earlier due to complications from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare virus linked to rodent exposure.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza of the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office stated in a press conference that Hackman was likely alone with his wife's body for days before his own passing.

It's quite possible that he was not aware that she was deceased.

Gene Hackman's Health Decline and Final Days

Hackman, widely recognized for his roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, and Hoosiers, had been in declining health in recent years.

According to Dr. Heather Jarrell, chief medical investigator for the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, Hackman's heart condition had been severe, with evidence of previous heart attacks and multiple surgical procedures. His pacemaker data indicated that he likely died on or around February 18.

Jarrell described his condition as "advanced Alzheimer's disease, severe heart disease, and significant kidney damage due to chronic high blood pressure."

Authorities also noted that there was no evidence of food in his stomach, suggesting he had not eaten for an extended period before his death. However, there were no signs of dehydration, raising questions about his final days alone in the home.

Betsy Arakawa's Death Linked to Rare Hantavirus Infection

Officials confirmed that Hackman's wife, Betsy Arakawa, a retired pianist and businesswoman, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but often fatal disease transmitted through exposure to rodent droppings, urine, or saliva.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that hantavirus can lead to severe respiratory failure, often with a high fatality rate.

Dr. Jarrell provided further details about the virus's progression.

Hantavirus initially presents with flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, and muscle aches. Within days, it can develop into a life-threatening pulmonary condition, causing fluid buildup in the lungs and respiratory distress.

Arakawa was last seen on February 11, 2025, when she visited a local farmer's market, CVS, and a pet food store before returning home to the gated community she shared with Hackman. Officials believe she passed away that evening, with her body found on the bathroom floor beside a space heater.

No Caregivers or Assistance in Their Home

Authorities confirmed that neither Hackman nor Arakawa had in-home caregivers checking on them in their final days. This lack of external support may have contributed to the delayed discovery of their deaths. Hackman, in an advanced stage of Alzheimer's, may not have been able to seek medical assistance for himself or his wife.

Matt McCann, a leading expert on long-term care, said it is always recommended that those with Alzheimer's should have caregivers checking on them if they are not living in a memory care or assisted living facility.

Even in the early stages, having regular check-ins from a caregiver ensures safety, proper medication management, and a better quality of life for both the individual and their family.

McCann noted that the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) does not offer Long-Term Care Insurance, which would have paid for the in-home caregivers, although the couple had plenty of money if they wished to pay out-of-pocket and manage the care themselves.

Sheriff Mendoza emphasized the potential consequences of their isolation.

With Mr. Hackman's condition, it's unclear whether he even recognized that something was wrong.

Their deaths have raised awareness about the importance of long-term care planning for older adults, particularly those with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

The Investigation: No Foul Play Suspected

The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office initially launched a full investigation, as their deaths were considered "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and inquiry." Authorities ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, with the New Mexico Gas Company confirming that no leaks or hazardous levels of gas were present in the home.

A search of the residence revealed no signs of forced entry or struggle. Investigators found Arakawa's prescription thyroid medication on a counter, but authorities confirmed it was taken as prescribed and did not contribute to her death.

One of the couple's three dogs was found deceased inside a crate, likely due to a lack of food and water, while two other dogs survived, possibly due to access to a doggy door leading outside.

A Tragic Reminder of Aging and Health Risks

The deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa serve as a sobering reminder of the health challenges older adults face. Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, and environmental health risks all played a role in their tragic passing. Their situation underscores the importance of:

• Regular health monitoring and long-term care support – Individuals with cognitive conditions should have caregivers or loved ones checking in regularly.
• Early intervention for heart disease and Alzheimer's – Routine medical care can slow disease progression and improve quality of life.
• Environmental awareness – Proper home maintenance can prevent exposure to risks such as hantavirus.
• Emergency preparedness – Seniors living alone, especially those with medical conditions, should have regular check-ins and a contingency plan for emergencies.

Remembering Gene Hackman: A Hollywood Icon

Gene Hackman was one of the most versatile and respected actors of his generation, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades in Hollywood.

Born in 1930, he broke into the film industry in the 1960s and quickly established himself as a commanding presence on screen. His breakthrough role came in 1971 when he portrayed Detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in The French Connection, a performance that won him his first Academy Award for Best Actor. He later earned another Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Unforgiven (1992), directed by Clint Eastwood.

Over the course of his career, Hackman starred in some of the most acclaimed films in cinema history, including The Conversation (1974), Superman (1978), Mississippi Burning (1988), The Firm (1993), and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001). His ability to effortlessly shift between intense dramatic roles and lighthearted performances solidified his reputation as one of the most talented actors of his time.

In 2004, Hackman announced his retirement from acting, choosing to step away from Hollywood to focus on writing and enjoying a quiet life with his wife in New Mexico. Despite leaving the public eye, his influence on the industry remained profound, with his performances continuing to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers.

Fans and fellow actors have taken to social media to express their condolences and celebrate his storied career.

Despite the tragic circumstances of his passing, Gene Hackman's legacy in Hollywood remains untouched. A two-time Academy Award winner, his impact on the film industry spans decades. His retirement from acting in 2004 allowed him to enjoy his later years in privacy, away from the spotlight.