Actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were both found dead in their Santa Fe home earlier this year under tragic and unusual circumstances. Authorities confirmed the couple had been deceased for several days before being discovered.
Arakawa is believed to have died first, on or around February 12, after contracting hantavirus pulmonary syndrome—a rare but often fatal illness linked to rodent droppings. Prior to her passing, she had been researching flu and COVID-like symptoms and had ordered oxygen supplies, reportedly concerned about Hackman’s health.
Hackman, who had been suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s disease, died several days later from heart-related complications. By the time security was alerted by maintenance staff unable to reach them, both were already deceased. Their dog was also found dead on the property.
Investigators confirmed the presence of a rodent infestation on the grounds, though the main home posed minimal immediate risk. The couple’s deaths have been ruled as resulting from natural causes, closing a quiet chapter in the life of the reclusive Oscar-winning actor and his longtime partner.