Double Tragedy Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Death Mystery Deepens

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa died. They were found in their Santa Fe home last month, along with one of their dogs. Reports indicate they had been dead for a week. Security discovered them during a welfare check. Betsy was 65 and was found by her thyroid medicine. Gene was 95 and located in a utility room near the kitchen.

The Sheriff’s office confirmed the deaths. Deputies responded to their home on February 26th. They found Gene, Betsy, and a dog deceased. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances.

Betsy was Gene’s full-time caregiver and was described as very protective by a friend, who believed Gene would not have survived without her care. Friends described them as a close couple. Betsy’s good care was essential for Gene, who had a triple bypass earlier in life.

Carbon monoxide was initially suspected. Gene’s pacemaker data revealed heart failure, and he died on February 18th. Betsy’s autopsy raised the possibility of hantavirus, with her death occurring on February 11th. Gene’s empty stomach and potential Alzheimer’s disease may have contributed to his death.

Their dog, Zinna, also had an empty stomach. The bodies showed partial mummification. No signs of trauma or poisoning were found. Two other dogs, Bear and Nikita, survived. Zinna was discovered dead in a bathroom closet near Betsy’s body.

Gene reportedly left his £40 million fortune to Betsy, excluding his children from the will. The will stipulated that assets would pass to charity after 90 days if both Gene and Betsy died. However, his children may still pursue claims to the assets, as there was no pre-nuptial agreement.

Gene and Betsy lived a secluded life at their $3.5 million ranch. They did not employ a housekeeper, leading to disarray in their home. One informant described the house as shocking, messy, and un-dusted, with dog poop on the floor and an empty fridge.

A doctor reported that Betsy called his clinic after her supposed death, casting doubt on the police report. Dr. Child stated she called on February 12th, seeking a heart scan for Gene and making an appointment for herself unrelated to respiratory issues.

She displayed no symptoms of respiratory distress, and the appointment was not related to hantavirus. They called her back but received no response. Hantavirus spreads from mice and can be deadly. Dr. Child added that Betsy had previously canceled appointments due to Gene feeling unwell.