Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Hackman’s final days were reconstructed by New Mexico authorities in a somber effort to unravel the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Within the framework of an official announcement, it was disclosed that Gene succumbed to hypertensive atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease, bearing Alzheimer’s disease as a pivotal contributing factor. Meanwhile, Betsy’s tragic passing was attributed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe illness passed from animals, particularly rodents, to humans, as revealed by the New Mexico Department of Health.
The investigative findings indicated Betsy’s autopsy ruled her death as natural, with investigators estimating she passed away around February 11. Gene was presumed to have been alone in their cherished Santa Fe home for approximately a week, living through a lonely existence until February 18, the last recorded interaction noted on his pacemaker.
During a detailed news briefing on Friday, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza painted a vivid picture of the timeline guiding investigators in understanding Gene and Betsy’s last moments.
February 9 — The Veterinary Visit
In the midst of their investigation, authorities discovered that Betsy had taken their beloved dog, Zinna, to Gruda Veterinary Hospital in Santa Fe on February 9.
“A procedure was performed on the dog, which may clarify the reason Zinna was crated,” Mendoza explained.
February 11 — “The Last Known Moment of Life”
Detectives unearthed email exchanges involving Betsy and her massage therapist timestamped at 11:21 a.m. on February 11.
“Stepping into the afternoon hours, Ms. Arakawa was at Sprouts Farmers Market from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.,” stated Mendoza. Surveillance footage later confirmed her presence at CVS Pharmacy around 4:20 p.m.
Her journey culminated at a pet food store at precisely 4:54 p.m., before she returned home. A control clicker linked to her vehicle was utilized to enter her gated community at 5:15 p.m., marking the last known trace of her life.
Unopened emails lingered unanswered on her computer, echoing her absence.
“There was no further outgoing communication from her, nor any known activity, after February 11,” Mendoza elaborated. “We await cellphone data for more clarity.”
Previously, Mendoza remarked that the final signaling from Gene’s pacemaker occurred on February 17, leading investigators to believe it represented his last flourishing of life, as his body remained undiscovered for nine additional days.
“According to the pathologist, it’s a reasonable assumption that it marked his final day,” Mendoza remarked during the briefing.
Updates from Gene’s pacemaker records revealed an “abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation” on February 18.
Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell expressed that it was logical to surmise Betsy had passed a week before Gene, suggesting that February 18 was likely his day of death.
“Given the details, it’s reasonable to conclude that Miss Hackman departed first, with February 11 being the last verifiable moment of her life,” Jarrell addressed the gathered media.
When queried whether Gene had the capacity to survive alone following Betsy’s passing, Jarrell conveyed that Gene was “in a very poor state of health.”
“Mr. Hackman demonstrated clear signs of advanced Alzheimer’s disease,” Jarrell noted. “While I’m not certain of his functional capabilities, he was indeed in a precarious condition, battling significant heart disease. Ultimately, I believe that this contributed to his demise.”
On February 26, maintenance workers Jesse Kesler and Roland Lowe Begay discovered Gene and Betsy. Kesler, who had served as a personal contractor for the couple over the past 16 years, reacted with urgency as he dialed 911.
Betsy was found on the floor of a bathroom adjacent to a space heater, clearly exhibiting “obvious signs of death,” as outlined in the search warrant affidavit. Gene’s body was located in the mudroom nearby, accompanied by his cane and sunglasses.
Authorities discovered that Betsy’s remains exhibited notable decomposition, including flushing of her face and mummification of her hands and feet—Gene bore similar signs of deterioration.
“I’ve observed an extensive amount of dedication and resources devoted to this case,” noted Mauro. “Accessing data from a garage door opener is quite remarkable—they are genuinely committed.”
Pending cellphone information could unveil insights into whether Betsy pursued medical appointments or maintained connections with friends regarding her health, now that she was aware of her hantavirus condition.
Hantavirus manifests with “flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscular discomfort, persistent cough, and other complications leading to respiratory failure,” Jarrell outlined during the press conference.
“A thorough review of Gene’s final phases is likely required,” he stated. “When did he last communicate coherently? Did he experience full-blown dementia? Did he attempt to seek help?”
Mauro also suggested that investigators might track the movements coinciding with Gene carrying his cellphone around the home.
“For example, if Gene had his phone nearby, tracing his activity post-Betsy’s passing could be possible,” he commented. “Cellphones can reveal when someone last left their home, providing crucial details.”
This tragic narrative unveils precious insights into the last days of Gene Hackman, a monumental figure, and his devoted wife, Betsy. The investigation not only highlights the human aspect of their story but also encapsulates the fragility of life and our deep-seated need to forge connections.
