Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa Deaths

Actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26. Gene Hackman, 95, died on February 18 from severe heart disease with complications from advanced Alzheimer's disease. Betsy Arakawa, 65, likely died a week earlier, on February 11, from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Their dog, Zinna, was also found dead in a crate, with an examination by the United States — New Mexico Department of Agriculture's veterinary lab indicating starvation and dehydration as the likely cause. Two other dogs survived. The United States — Santa Fe County Sheriff s Department and the United States — New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator conducted investigations, ruling out foul play and carbon monoxide poisoning. Due to Gene Hackman's advanced Alzheimer's, officials believe he may have been unaware of Betsy Arakawa's death for several days.