Hollywood icon Gene Hackman, aged 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, aged 65, were discovered deceased in their New Mexico residence under tragic circumstances. Arakawa succumbed to hantavirus on February 11, a rare and lethal virus associated with rodent excrement. Hackman, who was suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s and did not possess a cellphone, likely remained unaware of the situation and was unable to call for assistance. It is believed he lived for approximately a week before passing away from heart disease on February 18. Their bodies were found on February 26 in different rooms of their Santa Fe home.
Authorities have confirmed that while their residence showed no indications of rodent activity, some outbuildings on the property exhibited signs of infestation. Hackman was located near the kitchen, possibly after having fallen, with his cane and sunglasses close by. Compounding the tragedy, their 12-year-old dog, Zinna, also passed away, likely due to Hackman’s unawareness that the dog had been crated following a medical procedure.
Friends and family have expressed their shock at this heartbreaking sequence of events. Although Hackman had been experiencing cognitive decline, some found it hard to believe he was completely incapable of seeking help. A longtime friend remarked that Hackman had continued to write and paint despite his condition.
Officials have classified both deaths as natural, yet the circumstances present a poignant narrative of a once-great actor spending his final days in isolation, oblivious to the tragedy surrounding him. Hackman and Arakawa, who enjoyed over 30 years together, leave behind a legacy of love, and their passing has profoundly affected Hollywood and their fans.
