Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa Hackman, were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26, 2025, but now a stunning new revelation about their deaths is turning the investigation upside down.
Authorities first thought Betsy died on February 11 from Hantavirus, a rare disease contracted from rodent droppings; now, a shocking phone call that Betsy made to a medical concierge service called Cloudberry on February 12 has rearranged the timeline of their deaths completely.
ABC News has confirmed Betsy called Cloudberry early on the morning of Feb. 12, the day after she was supposed to have died, to ask about “esoteric treatment.” The doctor said she gave no indication that she was having any breathing problems or distress. The office tried to return her call twice and never heard from her again.
If Betsy was well enough to make that call, what really happened in the following days?
What they found, when finally entering the Hackman residence on February 26, was shocking. 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.
The most tragic of all was that their dog, Zinna, was found dead in a closet 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?
Rodent activity was found on the premises, confirming the suspicion of Hantavirus exposure. While a gas leak was found to be present on their stovetop, it has been ruled out as not being 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 revealed information has sent the internet abuzz with theories. 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?
The family has kept quiet as yet, but legal experts believe that the Hackman estate will fight in court to prevent further media leaks relating to their death.
As this tale of mystery is still unfolding, one thing is certain: this is not the ending anyone expected for the Hollywood icon and his beloved wife.
- Solitary, Evaluations, Lockdown Inside Nick Reiner’s Life in Jail - January 9, 2026
- Trump Says Diddy Asked For A Pardon But It’s Not Happening - January 9, 2026
- The Duffer Brothers Say Stranger Things Is Over – But Not Forever - January 8, 2026
