Theory behind Gene Hackman and wife’s deaths ‘still full of loopholes’, warn cops
The deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife remain shrouded in mystery, with investigators now probing “loopholes.”
Gene Hackman, a retired American actor known for his roles in films like The French Connection and Unforgiven, was married to Betsy Arakawa, a former restaurant owner, since 1991. Betsy, 65, tragically passed away on February 11. Reports suggest she died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare rodent-borne disease. She had been found dead near the bathroom of the couple’s home in Santa Fe.
Just days later, the 95-year-old film star passed away from cardiac disease, Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell said. Investigators had been working to determine the cause of death before making their announcement on Friday. However, new reports now suggest they won’t close the case until they’ve thoroughly examined all potential loopholes, according to Sheriff Mendoza.
“We consider this an open investigation until we close the loopholes of the cell phones, until we finish out the necropsy results of the canine and the other loose ends that we need to tie up,” he said.
At the property, one of the couple’s dogs, Zinna, was discovered dead in a crate inside a bathroom closet, just “10 to 15 feet” from Arakawa’s body. Meanwhile, their other two dogs, Bear and Nikita, were found alive but visibly distressed, according to police reports.
“But you know, I think we’re pretty close to the timeline and with the information that Dr. Jarrell provided,” Mendoza added.
The two-time Academy Award winner, who suffered from advanced Alzheimer’s, relied entirely on his wife for care. Following her death, he was alone in their Santa Fe home for a week before passing away around February 18, with the final pacemaker signal recorded at that time. Although he tested negative for hantavirus, Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell indicated that Hackman’s severe Alzheimer’s could have left him unaware of his wife’s death.
Investigators are waiting for the couple’s cell phone records, but the Sheriff stated it is “highly unlikely” they will reveal any new information that authorities don’t already have. He also confirmed that there is no evidence Hackman had communicated with anyone in the week prior to his death.
“I don’t know if he used cell phones or technology or emails, there’s no indication of that,” he told reporters. “So right now there is no activity from Mr. Hackman.”
Hollywood stars paid tribute to Gene and Betsy following their deaths last month. Their loved ones, including Gene Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, and his granddaughter, Annie, also expressed how deeply they will miss the actor, describing themselves as “devastated” by the loss.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy,” they wrote in a statement. “He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”
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