A Husband and Wife’s Shared Isolation

The circumstances surrounding the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, in their New Mexico home this past February continue to paint a sorrowful picture. Incident reports reveal Arakawa’s frantic online searches for respiratory relief coupled with Hackman’s declining health, highlighting a period of intense isolation for the couple.

On February 26th, authorities discovered the couple deceased in their residence. The ensuing investigation has pieced together a timeline marked by Arakawa’s efforts to manage a possible illness and Hackman’s struggle with advanced age and deteriorating health.

Arakawa’s Search for Answers and Relief

Just before her death, Betsy Arakawa was desperately seeking information and solutions for respiratory issues. According to the incident report, an investigator discovered a critical piece of evidence:

“He advised he found the computer unlocked and observed Betsy had conducted a search on Google. The search was in reference to ‘breathing techniques,’ or something similar to the matter.”
Incident Report

This search suggests Arakawa was experiencing breathing difficulties and attempting to find remedies. Further investigation revealed an email exchange indicating concerns about flu-like symptoms.

An email sent by Arakawa on February 11th offers a glimpse into her concerns:

“Hi Katia, So, G woke up today with flu/cold-like symptoms, did a covid test, negative. But out of abundance of caution, I should cancel my appt tomorrow and rebook, say, in a couple of weeks, last week of Feb if something is available. Thank you! Best, B.”

This email reveals Arakawa’s proactive approach to managing potential illness, canceling appointments out of caution. Tragically, she “never opened or sent additional e-mails” after this, according to the report, indicating a rapid decline in her health.

Adding to the picture, investigators found that Arakawa had ordered “several Boost Oxygen canisters” through Amazon on the same day, suggesting she was trying to alleviate breathing problems.Boost Oxygen is a canned, portable oxygen product marketed for recreational use, ofen used by athletes or individuals at high altitudes. While it can provide a temporary boost, medical experts caution it is indeed not a substitute for prescribed oxygen therapy for those with respiratory conditions.

Hantavirus: The silent Threat

The cause of Betsy Arakawa’s death was later determined to be hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory disease transmitted by rodents. HPS is rare but carries a high mortality rate, around 38% according to the CDC. In the U.S., the primary carrier of the virus is the deer mouse.

Symptoms of HPS can initially mimic the flu, including fever, muscle aches, and fatigue.However, the disease can quickly progress to severe respiratory distress as the lungs fill with fluid. Given the initial flu-like symptoms and negative COVID-19 test, Arakawa’s search for “breathing techniques” and purchase of oxygen canisters suggest a desperate attempt to manage her worsening condition.

The New Mexico Department of Health’s investigation of the property revealed a concerning detail:

According to the incident report,the New Mexico Department of Health “found live rodent traps” on the property.

While “the main dwelling was found to be clean, with no evidence of rodent activity,” rodent feces were discovered “in all three garages as well as in both casitas,” and “three sheds on the property were noted to be accessible to rodents.” This indicates a important rodent presence on the property, increasing the risk of hantavirus transmission.

Hantavirus outbreaks are relatively rare in the United States, but they do occur, notably in rural areas of the Southwest. Public health officials emphasize prevention through rodent control measures,such as sealing entry points to homes,storing food properly,and setting traps.

Gene Hackman’s Declining Health

The tragic circumstances were compounded by Gene Hackman’s own health issues. While he tested negative for hantavirus, his cause of death was determined to be hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease as a contributing factor. His pacemaker last showed signs of activity on February 18th.

It’s believed Hackman “was alone with his dead wife for about a week,” as he likely didn’t know she had died due to his mental state.

The couple’s bodies – along with that of one of their dogs – “were found in different rooms” of their home, which was described as “severely cluttered.” The condition of the bodies suggested Arakawa may have been deceased for a longer period.

A Stark Reminder

The deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa serve as a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by older adults, particularly those living in isolated environments. the combination of a rare but deadly disease, underlying health conditions, and the challenges of aging created a perfect storm of tragedy. It underscores the importance of vigilance regarding infectious diseases, proactive healthcare, and the need for supportive communities to ensure the well-being of vulnerable individuals.