Gene Hackman's Wife's Online Searches Reveal Health Concerns She Had Days Before Hantavirus Death

Gene Hackman's wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from hantavirus after searching online for answers about the actor's flu-like symptoms.

Hackman passed a week later due to heart disease and Alzheimer's. Their dog also died, likely from starvation.

A health inspection has also found rodent infestations in outbuildings on Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's property.

Just days before her unexpected death from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, Arakawa had been searching online for explanations about the mysterious symptoms Hackman was experiencing, according to a new investigation by New Mexico authorities.

Documents obtained by TMZ revealed that on February 8 and again on the morning of February 12, the day of her death, Arakawa had several browser tabs open, including searches about whether COVID-19 could cause issues like dizziness and nosebleeds.

In an email to her masseuse, the classical pianist explained that Hackman had woken up on February 11 feeling unwell, describing his symptoms as cold or flu-like.

Though his COVID test returned negative, she mentioned postponing her appointment "out of an abundance of caution."

Records also showed that Arakawa had purchased multiple Boost Oxygen canisters on February 11.

Investigators reviewed phone records, voicemails, and stored surveillance footage from that day. Her final online search, made the morning she died, was for a healthcare provider in Santa Fe.

Official details about the couple's passing emerged weeks after their deaths. Arakawa's cause of death was identified as hantavirus, a rare but serious flu-like illness associated with exposure to rodent droppings.

Hackman passed away a week later, with medical reports citing complications from severe cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and late-stage Alzheimer's.

Additionally, the couple's pet, Zinna, also tragically died, with Santa Fe County animal control stating the cause was likely dehydration and starvation.

Following their tragic demise, the couple have been quietly laid to rest in a private memorial service held in Santa Fe.

According to People Magazine, the intimate gathering was attended by the actor's three children: Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie.

Married since 1991, Hackman and Arakawa had been living a quiet, low-profile life away from Hollywood after Hackman's retirement from acting.

Their final public appearance together was in March 2024, when they were seen dining at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Santa Fe.

A recent environmental assessment by the New Mexico Department of Health uncovered widespread rodent activity across several outbuildings on Hackman and Arakawa's property, according to records obtained by CNN.

Officials conducted the inspection in March, roughly a week after the couple was found deceased in their home in February, and found evidence of rodent infestations in eight separate structures, including three garages, two casitas, and three storage sheds.

Among the findings were rodent droppings, a live rodent, a dead rodent, and nests. The health department conducted the assessment on March 5 to evaluate potential health risks to emergency responders and family members who may have visited the property during the investigation.

Dr. Erin Phipps, the state's public health veterinarian, noted that the primary residence was clean and showed no signs of rodent activity, meaning the health risk was minimal.

However, the surrounding outbuildings were not as secure. The report confirmed that they were vulnerable to rodent intrusion.

Investigators discovered rodent nests, feces, and even live traps in use. Two vehicles on the property, possibly inactive or used for farm work, also showed signs of infestation.

During a recent court hearing, Kurt Sommer, the attorney representing Hackman and Arakawa's estate, argued that the couple had gone to significant lengths to maintain their privacy throughout their lives, a right, he contended, that should be preserved even after their deaths.

Julia Peters, the estate's appointed representative, echoed these concerns, noting that some investigative materials, including photos and videos, could be distressing and should be protected from potential media circulation.

Media organizations, including The Associated Press, CBS News, and CBS Studios, have since become involved in the case.

In legal filings, they assured the court that they had no intention of publishing any images of the deceased couple and would blur sensitive visuals in any related materials that might be released.