Gene Hackman's wife Betsy Arakawa searched 'flue and covid symptoms' online before suspicious death

Gene Hackman and wife Betsy

In the tragic days leading up to her death, Betsy Arakawa, the wife of legendary actor Gene Hackman, turned to the internet for answers about concerning symptoms she and her husband were experiencing. Police records recently released by the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office reveal that Arakawa, 65, searched Google for "can Covid cause dizziness?" and "Flu and nosebleeds" on February 10, as she tried to make sense of their deteriorating health.

According to reports from the BBC and corroborated by the Associated Press and the New York Times, Arakawa also looked up breathing techniques and respiratory support methods, and even ordered oxygen canisters from Amazon in an effort to cope with what she believed could be flu or Covid-related issues. She emailed her massage therapist on February 11 to cancel an appointment, explaining her husband, 95-year-old Hackman, had woken up with “flu/cold-like symptoms” but had tested negative for Covid.

Despite her efforts, Arakawa did not receive the medical help she sought. Authorities say she made multiple calls to a health clinic on February 12, but no treatment was ever administered. She later died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and deadly respiratory illness transmitted by rodents. Investigators later discovered rodent nests and dead mice in outbuildings on the couple’s New Mexico property.

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Gene Hackman, a two-time Oscar-winning actor known for his roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven, was found to have died on February 18, six days after his wife. His death was attributed to severe heart disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease listed as a contributing factor. His condition may have prevented him from realizing that Arakawa had passed away in their home.

The couple’s bodies were not discovered until February 26 by neighborhood security personnel. Tragically, one of their three dogs, which had been recovering from surgery in a crate, also died from starvation and dehydration.

The release of the investigation records was initially contested by the couple’s children, who sought to keep the details private. However, as Santa Fe County manager Gregory S. Shaffer explained, “The New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) placed the County in a difficult position. On the one hand, we deeply understand the family's need for privacy during this painful time. On the other, the County has a duty to follow the law and faced potential lawsuits, damages, and attorney's fees under IPRA if we withheld the records.”