BREAKING: New Details Emerge in the Tragic Deaths of Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa
FAIRGAMEZ NEWS EXCLUSIVE | March 22, 2025
By FAIRGAMEZ Investigative Team
As investigators continue to examine the heartbreaking deaths of Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, authorities have revealed an updated timeline and additional details surrounding the couple’s final days inside their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home.
The exclusive special “Last Days of Gene Hackman: FAIRGAMEZ News Special” will air Tuesday, March 18, at 10 p.m. ET.
Updated Timeline of Events
February 9
Betsy Arakawa, 65, picked up one of the couple’s three dogs from a veterinary hospital following a medical procedure. That same dog was later found dead in a crate beside the couple, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed. The crate, authorities believe, was used to keep the dog calm during recovery.
February 11
Arakawa was seen running errands, including stops at a farmer’s market, CVS, and a pet food store. Surveillance captured her entering the couple’s gated community at 5:15 p.m. Initially, officials believed she died later that evening.
February 12
Investigators discovered Arakawa contacted Cloudberry Health, a concierge medical service, around 8 a.m. She told staff she was “feeling congested” and inquired about hyperbaric therapy, according to Dr. Josiah Child, Cloudberry’s founder.
Though staff scheduled her for a 1:15 p.m. appointment, Arakawa never arrived and did not answer a follow-up call.
“She didn’t sound ill,” Dr. Child said, “but she clearly had some concern about her health.”
Later, Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell confirmed that Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but deadly condition transmitted through rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. Victims typically suffer flu-like symptoms for several days before rapidly deteriorating.
February 18
Authorities now believe Gene Hackman died around February 18, roughly one week after his wife.
Hackman, 95, died of cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease listed as a contributing factor, according to Dr. Jarrell.
“His pacemaker recorded activity on February 17,” Jarrell said. “By February 18, the device showed an abnormal rhythm consistent with atrial fibrillation — the last indication of heart activity.”
The sheriff stated Hackman likely lived with his deceased wife’s body for nearly a week. Due to the advanced stage of his Alzheimer’s, officials believe he may not have realized she had died.
February 26
A welfare check led deputies to discover the couple’s bodies. Hackman was found on the floor of the mud room, while Arakawa was found in the bathroom with a space heater nearby.
Arakawa’s remains showed signs of decomposition, including mummification of the hands and feet, according to the search warrant.
One of the couple’s dogs — the same one Arakawa retrieved on Feb. 9 — was found deceased in a crate approximately 10–15 feet from her body. A necropsy report indicated the dog died from starvation and dehydration.
The couple’s two remaining dogs were found alive. One stayed near Arakawa’s body, while the other was located outside, possibly through a doggy door.
Family Speaks Out
Hackman is survived by his son and two daughters, who released a heartfelt statement:
“Dad was loved and admired around the world for his brilliant acting career. But to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”
Legal Questions Over $80M Estate
Hackman’s estate, valued at $80 million, was left entirely to his wife. Arakawa, in turn, designated charity organizations as beneficiaries.
Now, legal experts say the exact sequence of deaths could determine who inherits the estate.
“If Betsy passed first, Gene’s will becomes partially invalid, since the intended beneficiary is no longer living,” said FAIRGAMEZ legal contributor Benginmen Jones. “His estate would then enter probate court, where heirs could contest the will.”
Hackman’s son has already retained a California trust and estate attorney, sources confirmed.
Don’t Miss
“Last Days of Gene Hackman: FAIRGAMEZ News Special”
Tuesday, March 18 | 10 p.m. ET | FAIRGAMEZ Network
This in-depth special will explore never-before-seen footage, exclusive interviews, and the haunting clues that help piece together the final moments of one of Hollywood’s most legendary actors and the woman who stood beside him for over three decades.
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