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Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26, 2025.
The heartbreaking discovery marked the end of a decades-long love story, with friends and family mourning their loss while questions about their final days remain.
A devoted partner in life and care
Hackman, known for his roles in movies like The French Connection and Unforgiven, had been battling Alzheimer's disease in recent years. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, a former pianist, was his constant , ensuring his well-being despite his declining health.
Close friend Tom Allin recalled visiting the couple for Hackman's 90th birthday in 2020, noting Arakawa's unwavering dedication.
"She was very protective of him," he shared, emphasizing her role as his caregiver.
Authorities now believe Arakawa ed away first, around February 11, due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare and often fatal disease transmitted by rodents. Given Hackman's cognitive condition, medical experts suspect he was unaware of her death. Alone and vulnerable, he succumbed to heart disease on or around February 18.
HPS is a severe respiratory illness caused by hantaviruses, typically spread through exposure to contaminated rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. The virus initially presents with flu-like symptoms, including fever and muscle aches, before progressing to severe breathing difficulties. With a high mortality rate and no specific cure, prevention is key-minimizing exposure to rodent-infested areas is the best defense.
Hackman's daughters, Elizabeth, Leslie, and Annie, confirmed the deaths, expressing their deep sorrow. "He was loved and ired by millions, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We are devastated by the loss."
While authorities have ruled out foul play, the exact circumstances surrounding their ing remain under investigation. Their story is a poignant reminder of love's endurance, even in life's most challenging moments.