Tragic End of Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman: A Timeline of Events
Final Days of Betsy Arakawa
Betsy Arakawa spent her last days engaged in routine activities before the tragic discovery of her, her husband, renowned actor Gene Hackman, and their dog Zinna, in their New Mexico home on February 26. On February 9, Arakawa visited a veterinarian’s office to pick up Zinna, which explains why the dog’s body was found in a crate. This detail provides a glimpse into her final moments, suggesting a sense of normalcy before the unforeseen events unfolded.
Activities Leading Up to Her Death
On February 11, Arakawa had a conversation with a massage therapist and then visited a farmer’s market for about 45 minutes. She was also captured on surveillance cameras at a CVS pharmacy and later at a local pet food store. Her car was seen on video returning to her home, where she used her clicker to enter the property. These routine errands give an insight into her life just days before her death, highlighting the ordinary nature of her final activities.
Investigation and Autopsy Findings
The Santa Fe County Sheriff, Adan Mendoza, revealed that Arakawa’s computer showed numerous unopened emails after February 11, and while police await information from her cellphone, her last known communication appeared to be on that day. The investigation remains open, with authorities still piecing together the exact timeline of events.
Cause of Death and Circumstances
The New Mexico Chief Medical Examiner, Heather Jarrell, disclosed that Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare virus transmitted by rodents, with the manner of death being natural. She was 65 years old. Hackman, who was 95, died from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease contributing significantly to his death. Officials noted signs of rodent entry in the home, which could have spread the virus to Arakawa, though Hackman tested negative for hantavirus.
Conditions Inside the Home
Upon discovering the bodies, deputies observed a healthy dog on the property and another near Arakawa’s body, while a deceased dog lay in a bathroom closet. Arakawa was found on the bathroom floor with scattered pills nearby, a space heater close to her head, and signs of bloating and mummification, suggesting she had been deceased for several days to weeks. Hackman was found in a separate room, possibly having fallen, with his sunglasses on the ground next to him.
Reflection on the Tragedy
The circumstances surrounding the deaths of Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman paint a poignant picture of a couple whose lives ended under tragic and unexpected conditions. While Arakawa’s death was due to a rare virus, Hackman’s passing was complicated by his advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Their bodies were discovered after an unknown period, adding layers of sadness to the already devastating event. The community mourns the loss of these individuals, remembering them for their contributions to their respective fields and the love they shared with their pets.
