The final autopsy of Betsy Arakawa, Gene Hackman's wife, was released.

The final autopsy report of Betsy Arakawa, wife of the legendary actor Gene Hackman, revealed an unexpected and tragic diagnosis that shook the entertainment world.

The recent publication of the forensic report on the death of Betsy Arakawa, partner of the renowned actor Gene Hackman, revealed moving and surprising details that had a strong impact on the Hollywood community. According to New Mexico medical authorities, Arakawa died as a result of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and potentially deadly disease transmitted through contact with infected rodents.

Betsy Arakawa, 65 years old, died around February 12, 2025. Her body was found on February 26 at her Santa Fe residence, alongside Hackman's and one of their dogs. According to the report, her lungs showed severe congestion and fluid accumulation, symptoms consistent with advanced hantavirus infection.

The most unsettling aspect of the case was that, days before her death, Arakawa had searched the internet for information on respiratory symptoms similar to those of COVID-19. She even requested oxygen cylinders, suggesting she was experiencing severe difficulty breathing without knowing the real severity of her condition.

Gene Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner and retired from acting for over a decade, was found deceased in the same residence days later. The medical report determined that his death occurred on February 18, six days after his wife's, and was caused by a combination of cardiovascular complications and advanced Alzheimer's.

Authorities presume that Hackman, 95 years old, was unaware of Arakawa's death due to his delicate mental health, leading to a double and unexpected tragedy.

Hackman and Arakawa had been together for decades and were well-loved by both the Santa Fe community, where they had lived for years, and colleagues in the film industry. They lived a quiet life away from the spotlight, which is why their death had such an impact when it was publicly revealed.

Authorities confirmed that no signs of violence, intoxication, or carbon monoxide were found, and they officially closed the investigation after determining natural causes in both deaths.