New information has emerged regarding the deaths of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, leading authorities to reassess the timeline of events surrounding their passing.
Initially, it was believed that Betsy Arakawa died on February 11, with her cause of death attributed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare virus transmitted through rodent droppings.

However, recent revelations indicate that on February 12, Arakawa made multiple calls to Cloudberry, a medical concierge service, seeking medical advice. This discovery suggests she was alive a day later than previously thought and was experiencing health issues for which she sought assistance.
Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza commented on this development, stating, “That would indicate to me that she was seeking medical advice or medical help and may have not been feeling well.”
THE US SUN Cloudberry confirmed that Arakawa contacted them on February 12 to inquire about “esoteric treatment.” They noted that during the call, there were no signs of respiratory distress, and despite returning her call twice, they received no further communication.
The couple’s bodies were discovered on February 26 in their Santa Fe home after a maintenance worker, concerned by the lack of response, alerted authorities. Gene Hackman’s body was found in the foyer, while Arakawa was located in a bathroom near a space heater and scattered prescription medications. One of their dogs was also found deceased near Arakawa, while two other dogs were found alive on the property.
Autopsy reports indicate that Hackman likely died around February 17 from a combination of severe heart disease, high blood pressure, and advanced Alzheimer’s disease. The discovery of Arakawa’s phone calls on February 12 has led authorities to adjust the timeline of events, suggesting she may have died later than initially believed.
Sheriff Mendoza noted that the couple’s deaths are considered “suspicious enough” to warrant a thorough investigation, though no evidence of foul play has been found.
The revelation of Arakawa’s attempts to seek medical assistance raises questions about the circumstances leading up to their deaths. Despite her diagnosis of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, her lack of reported respiratory distress during the calls adds complexity to the case. Authorities continue to investigate the exact sequence of events to provide clarity and closure regarding the couple’s untimely passing.
Gene Hackman, renowned for his roles in films such as “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven,” had been retired from acting for nearly two decades.
His death, along with that of his wife, has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans alike, commemorating his significant contributions to the film industry.
As the investigation progresses, the public awaits further details to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.