New Insights into a Heartbreaking Mystery

Authorities have unveiled a chilling investigation report detailing the final communications of Betsy Arakawa, the late wife of acting legend Gene Hackman, in the days leading up to her untimely death.

In February, Arakawa passed away from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease transmitted by rodents, which can manifest as flu-like symptoms, headaches, and severe respiratory issues. Just a week later, Hackman, aged 95, is believed to have succumbed to heart disease complicated by Alzheimer’s.

Desperate Searches for Answers

As investigators delved into Arakawa’s online activity, a pattern emerged: from February 8 to February 12, she was researching flu-like symptoms and information related to Covid-19. Her unsettling queries included whether the virus could cause dizziness and nosebleeds.

Just a day before her death, Arakawa expressed concern in an email to her massage therapist about Hackman waking with cold-like symptoms, noting a negative Covid-19 test and rescheduling her appointment out of caution.

A Race Against Time

On February 12, Arakawa had contacted a concierge medical service in Santa Fe, but her call, which lasted under two minutes, didn’t lead to any further communication. Investigators then examined her call history, including distressing calls to Hackman’s home, and security footage from local stores.

A Disturbing Discovery

On February 26, maintenance workers stumbled upon the partially mummified remains of the couple in their Santa Fe home, prompting a police response. The investigators found one of their dogs near Arakawa’s body, while Hackman was found in a separate part of the house, raising eerie questions about their final moments.

Amid fears of a gas leak, the deputies searched the premises, but tests later revealed no leaks, and everything appeared unremarkable—artwork still adorned the walls, and cash was counted as investigators combed through the home.

Chilling Circumstances

Redacted police body camera footage shows officers navigating through the unsettling scene while the couple’s alive dogs barked in the background. Unfortunately, another dog was found dead in distressing conditions, attributed to dehydration and starvation.

An Unexpected Environmental Assessment

Further investigation by the New Mexico Department of Health discovered rodent droppings in outbuildings and traps placed around the property. Although the interior was clean of rodent activity, the surrounding area was typical for mice.

The release of these heart-wrenching details comes after a recent court order, aimed at protecting the family’s privacy, resulted in the redaction of any sensitive imagery related to the couple.

The tragic circumstances surrounding Hackman and Arakawa serve as a haunting reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of health.