The circumstances surrounding Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa’s death have become more clear.
Arakawa passed away from Hanta Pulmonary Syndrome, which is a respiratory illness caused by hantaviruses, which are viruses that are primarily transmitted by rodents.
According to a report obtained by TMZ on April 14, The New Mexico Department of Public Health found that there were dead rodents, droppings, and nests in eight buildings along the couple’s property. The primary residence was said to be safe with no signs of rodent activity inside. However, it was reportedly found in three garages, two casitas, and three sheds on their property.
Hackman and Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe Home on February 26, 2025. Following the investigation, it was determined that Arakawa passed away around February 12, a week before Hackman died.
Hackman’s death was not related to the Hanta Pulmonary Syndrome, and it was determined that he passed away from heart disease with complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
What Happened to Gene Hackman’s Dogs?
PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty ImagesHackman and his wife had three dogs together, and the two who survived have found “loving homes,” according to DailyMail.com.
However, Hackman and Arakawa’s third dog passed away in their Santa Fe home, authorities confirmed in a news conference on March 7.
A German Shepherd named “Bear” and an Akita-shepherd mix named “Nikita” were placed with two separate homes the DailyMail.com report said.
Joey Padilla, the owner of a doggie daycare center in Santa Fe, had been caring for the dogs since they were found at the same time Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies were discovered. Padilla revealed to the outlet that one dog had been placed out of state, while the other was moved to a local home.
“It is with great joy that, with the consent of the estate attorney, I and my staff at Santa Fe Tails have successfully found homes for the Hackmans’ surviving dogs, Bear and Nikita,” Padilla wrote in a statement.
Gene Hackman and His Wife Lived a Quiet Life After He Left Hollywood
Hackman and his wife lived a quiet life in Santa Fe following his decision to leave Hollywood in 2004.
The two dated for seven years before getting married in 1991. The actor discussed his decision to leave in a 2008 interview with Reuters.
“I haven’t held a press conference to announce retirement, but yes, I’m not going to act any longer,” he said. “I’ve been told not to say that over the last few years, in case some real wonderful part comes up, but I really don’t want to do it any longer.”
His final acting job was in 2004, appearing in the political satire Welcome to Mooseport.