The announcement of Gene Hackman’s death stunned the world. People were heartbroken to find that both the Oscar-winning actor and his wife, Betsy Arakwa, had died. The picture of events leading up to their death is beginning to emerge, and what we’re finding is sad. The final video image of Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, from when she was alive, has been discovered. USA Today documented the couple’s final days, as well as the timetable of events.
On February 11, Betsy Arakawa was caught on security video. This would be the final time she was seen alive, since she supposedly died the following day. The Santa Fe County sheriff stated during a news conference that she was wearing a mask in the photos due to the Hantavirus, which eventually killed her. The final video shows her “strolling through the aisles of a CVS Pharmacy in Santa Fe.”
According to USA Today, Arakawa failed to pick up medication for the couple’s dog, which raised red flags. On February 26, Hackman, Arakawa, and their dog were found dead in their house. According to Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza’s press conference, none tested positive for carbon monoxide. Dr. Heather Jarrell, New Mexico’s Chief Medical Examiner, told the press that 65-year-old Arakawa died from Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The Medical Examiner found no evidence of trauma and determined that the death was caused by natural causes.
Hantavirus is distinguished by “flu-like symptoms,” according to Jarrell. The sickness is caused by exposure to rodent excrement. The viral strain has a death rate ranging from 38% to 50%. Gene Hackman, 95, died of hypertensive, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a contributing factor. The actor’s preliminary pacemaker readings helped determine the date of his death because they revealed that he had heart activity on February 17 and an irregular rhythm the next day.
He most likely died the next day, on February 18, one week after his wife died. Arakawa picked up their dog from the vet on February 9, which may explain why he was still in his confinement. Arakawa went to a farmer’s market and then “was seen on surveillance video” in a CVS pharmacy from 4:12 to 4:20 p.m., officials said. She also went to a pet food store, and her car was captured on CCTV entering her community at 5:15 p.m. According to officials, Arakawa discovered no further activity.
This is an incredibly tragic tragedy. Share this with anyone who might be interested in the most recent developments regarding Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s deaths.