Hollywood Actor Gene Hackman and His Wife's Shocking Death

In February, legendary Hollywood actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, causing great shock.

Authorities recently released footage showing the interior of their home. The video, recorded by a police officer's body camera, revealed a cluttered scene with personal belongings piled haphazardly throughout the house.

In the bedroom, dog crates, books, and clothing were scattered, while the bathroom toilet contained both feces and urine left unattended. A blood-stained pillow was also discovered in the bedroom.

The New York Post reported, "The photos released give a glimpse of how they spent their final days in a home that was both palace-like and disordered."

There were no signs of trauma on the bodies, and no suicide note was found. New Mexico authorities concluded that Arakawa had died after February 11, while Hackman’s time of death was determined to be around February 18.

Chief forensic pathologist Heather Jarrell stated, "The cause of death for 95-year-old Gene Hackman was hypertension and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease playing a significant role."

Additionally, she explained, "The cause of death for 65-year-old Arakawa was hantavirus pulmonary syndrome." Hantavirus is a virus transmitted through rodent droppings, causing symptoms similar to the flu, and can lead to heart or lung failure in severe cases.

Authorities concluded that Arakawa was infected with hantavirus and died from related symptoms, while Hackman, failing to recognize this, passed away a week later from heart disease.

Hackman was an acclaimed actor who actively worked in Hollywood from the 1960s to the early 2000s, appearing in over 80 films across various genres, including action, thriller, and historical dramas. He gained fame through films such as the 'Superman' series, 'Mississippi Burning', 'The Conversation', 'Quick and Dead', 'Crimson Tide', and 'Enemy of the State'. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for 'The French Connection' (1971) and Best Supporting Actor for 'Unforgiven' (1992).

This incident not only highlights his life and achievements but also sheds light on personal tragedy. Fans and colleagues in the film industry mourn his sudden passing and reflect on his enduring legacy.

Image Source: gettyimageskorea; The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office released footage of the interior of the home where Hollywood actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, lived. Provided by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.