Newly released records have shed light on the tragic deaths of actor Gene Hackman, 94, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, at their Santa Fe estate. Initially shrouded in mystery, the case now points to environmental hazards and a rare illness. In February 2025, deputies found Arakawa dead in the bathroom, with her dog by her side.
In February 2025, deputies found Arakawa dead in the bathroom, with her dog by her side. Hackman was later, found collapsed in another room. A second dog, Zinna, was discovered dead in a crate, having died of starvation.
A health investigation revealed severe rodent infestations in the estate’s outbuildings, with evidence supporting exposure to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome—a rare,
often fatal disease linked to rodent waste. Arakawa had searched online for symptoms like nosebleeds and flu before her death. Hackman died days later, likely from heart disease worsened by illness and isolation. Legal battles followed as Arakawa’s mother sought to protect the couple’s privacy,
blocking the release of graphic footage while allowing redacted documents to be made public. The couple, together since the early ’80s, lived quietly on their 12-acre estate. Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, retired in 2004 and spent his final years biking, gardening, and writing. Their peaceful life ended in tragedy, but their devotion and legacy live on.
