Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa Hackman were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26, 2025, but now, a shocking new revelation about their deaths is turning the investigation upside down.
Authorities initially believed Betsy passed away on February 11, likely from Hantavirus, a rare disease transmitted through rodent droppings. However, a startling phone call made by Betsy on February 12 to a medical concierge service, Cloudberry, is shifting the entire timeline of their deaths.
ABC News confirmed that Betsy contacted Cloudberry early in the morning of February 12, one day after she was believed to have died. The call was about “esoteric treatment,” and according to the doctor, she showed no signs of breathing trouble or distress. The office attempted to return her call twice, but never heard back.
If Betsy was well enough to make that call, what really happened in the following days?
When authorities finally entered the Hackman residence on February 26, what they found was deeply disturbing. Gene Hackman’s body was located in a mudroom, and Betsy was discovered collapsed in a bathroom, surrounded by a space heater and scattered pills.
Even more heartbreaking, the couple’s dog, Zinna, was found dead in a closet, likely from dehydration and starvation after being locked up for days.
Authorities estimate Gene died around February 18, meaning he was alone in the house for nearly a week with his deceased wife. The 95-year-old Oscar winner suffered from severe heart disease, high blood pressure, and advanced Alzheimer’s disease, conditions that likely contributed to his passing. But did he fully understand what was happening?
Investigators found evidence of rodent activity on the property, which supports the theory of Hantavirus exposure. Additionally, while a gas leak was detected on their stovetop, it was determined not to be a cause of death.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza acknowledged the peculiar circumstances but does not suspect foul play at this time. “The phone call changes the timeline, but we still believe this was a tragic case of natural causes and environmental factors,” Mendoza told Good Morning America.
The newly uncovered details have led to a flurry of online speculation. How did Betsy go from making a phone call to being found dead days later? Why didn’t Gene seek help during the days he was alive? Did his Alzheimer’s play a role in delaying any response?
Family members have remained silent, but legal experts believe the Hackman estate may take steps to prevent further media leaks surrounding their deaths.
With this mystery still unfolding, one thing is certain, this is not the ending anyone expected for the Hollywood icon and his beloved wife.
