Just about a week ago, authorities in the New Mexico city where acting legend Gene Hackman and his wife (and their three dogs) were living and enjoying their lives released an update on what was known about their "suspicious" deaths. Santa Fe, NM, Sheriff Adan Mendoza shared what was known to that point, after initial autopsies of the couple by pathologist at the state's Office of the Medical Investigator.
"In the early hours of Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, Mr. Hackman and Ms. Arakawa were transported to the office of the medical investigator. An autopsy was performed. Initial findings noted no external trauma to either individual."
The manner and cause of death is not known, with the official results of the autopsy and toxicology reports pending.
Mendoza said he spoke on Friday at 2:00 p.m. local time with the pathologist from the state office of the medical investigator. The doctor told him that several of the tests were submitted on an expedited basis.
"She revealed to me the following information: Both individuals tested negative for carbon monoxide.
"An initial interrogation was conducted of Mr. Hackman's pacemaker. This revealed that his last event was recorded on Feb. 17, 2025," but that a "more thorough investigation will be completed."
To catch anyone up to speed who needs it, here are some of the basics facts:
As we reported on Thursday, legendary Hollywood actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, 65, along with one of their dogs, were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday.
My colleague Jennifer O'Connell wrote a beautiful piece just hours after news of Hackman's death broke, on his storied and influential career on the silver screen, also.
Now, we know what caused the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, according to NM officials:
On Friday, New Mexico's chief medical examiner shared how the couple died.
Arakawa, 65, died from Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease that is contracted by contact with mouse droppings, the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator announced Friday. According to the CDC, Hantaviruses "are spread mainly by rodents and are not spread from person-to-person." And Hackman, 95, had heart disease and complications caused by Alzheimer's disease and died from natural causes.
...
Hackman's pacemaker last showed activity on Feb. 18, according to the medical investigator, so Hackman "probably died around Feb. 18," with the medical investigator noting Hackman "was in a very poor state of health" at the time of his death and she thinks "he died as a result of his heart disease."
It appears that Arakawa died first, according to the medical investigator, likely around Feb. 11, the last time anyone had any communication from her.
Anyone who does the math in his or her head realizes this is a heartbreaking answer to the mystery. Hackman's wife, who was likely also his caretaker in his later years, died about a week before him. With his Alzheimer's, it may be he didn't know what to do--or he might even been unaware of her passing.
Sheriff Mendoza explained that this isn't the end of the case, with "other loose ends [investigators] need to tie up." It's considered an open investigation, he said.
Prayers for Hackman and his family and friends are needed at this time.
We'll keep you posted on developments in the story.
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