Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s Tragic Deaths Spark Investigation and Legal Complications Over Estate

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26, sparking an investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were both initially reported to have died earlier than the latest revelations suggest.

New findings show that Arakawa’s death, previously thought to have occurred on February 11, likely took place a day later, while Hackman’s death occurred a week after hers. Arakawa’s cause of death was determined to be hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, while Hackman’s death was attributed to cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s also noted as a contributing factor.

Arakawa’s Final Days Involving Medical Calls, Health Concerns and Care for Hackman

New details about Arakawa’s final days have emerged, especially surrounding February 12, when she made several calls to the concierge medical service, Cloudberry Health. Arakawa, who had been seeking medical assistance, contacted Cloudberry three times that morning. While she did not show signs of breathing issues, she had been previously inquiring about medical appointments for both herself and her husband.

The calls suggest she may have been feeling unwell, potentially from hantavirus symptoms, though she canceled a prior medical appointment to care for Hackman, indicating her concern for his health.

Arakawa had made an appointment for a heart scan for Hackman before canceling it to tend to him. She had also arranged a separate medical appointment for herself, unrelated to respiratory issues. Despite the calls to Cloudberry, Arakawa did not appear for her scheduled appointment on February 12, and further attempts by the clinic to contact her went unanswered. These developments suggest that her health was deteriorating during this period, although no immediate signs of breathing trouble were reported by the doctor who spoke to the Daily Mail.

Legal Complications Arise Over Hackman’s Estate and Sealing of Investigation Materials

The timeline of their deaths is crucial in determining the fate of Hackman’s substantial $80 million estate. Arakawa had left her assets to Hackman, but her will contained a clause that the estate would go to charity if she and Hackman passed away within 90 days of each other. This stipulation could create complications, as Hackman’s will may become void if both passed away within this time frame. Hackman’s children from a previous marriage—Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie—were not named in the will but may be entitled to inherit his estate in probate court if Arakawa’s passing precedes Hackman’s.

In the wake of their deaths, legal proceedings are ongoing regarding the handling of the couple’s estate and privacy. A New Mexico judge has temporarily sealed police photos and video footage from the investigation, along with their medical records, to protect the couple’s privacy. Hackman and Arakawa had been particularly protective of their privacy throughout their lives. A hearing scheduled for March 31 will address whether the sealed materials should remain inaccessible permanently, with law enforcement and medical investigators presenting their arguments.