- New documents have shed more light on Gene Hackman’s final days
- His wife Betsy Arakawa is believed to have searched for flu symptoms
- The former classical pianist died from rare Hantavirus
Newly release documents appear to show that Betsy Arakawa, wife of Hollywood star Gene Hackman, searched for flu and Covid symptoms shortly before her death.
The news was confirmed by records released by the Sante Fe Sheriff which have since been reported by outlets like the BBC and the Associated Press.
Arakawa is believed to have Googled a number of queries related to Covid and flu symptoms alongside ordering oxygen canisters from Amazon.
Read more: Hantavirus links found in Gene Hackman house
Both Arakawa and her The French Connection actor husband were found dead at their Sante Fe, New Mexico home on 26 February 2025.
Initially, their cause of death wasn’t immediately clear. However, after a police investigation it has been reported that Arakawa died of Hantavirus, a rare condition spread by rodents. Authorities believe she passed away on 12 February aged 65.
Read more: Bruce Willis’ wife makes plea after Gene Hackman death
95-year-old Hackman had heart disease and Alzheimer’s and his wife was his primary carer in his final days. He is believed to have passed away six days later on 18 February. A family dog was also found dead at their residence.
What did Betsy Arakawa search?
As reported on numerous outlets, Arakawa is believed to have searched for queries like “can Covid cause dizziness?” She also searched for “flu and nosebleeds.”
The BBC also reports that she cancelled a planned massage appointment after noticing Hackman had awoken with “flu/cold-like symptoms.” Despite these, he allegedly tested negative for Covid.
In addition to noting that Arakawa attempted to seek assistance from a health clinic a few days before her passing, the report also reveals that she ordered oxygen canisters from Amazon.
These seem to have been for “respiratory support.”
Hantavirus links found in Gene Hackman home
Earlier this week, it was reported that multiple links to Hantavirus were discovered during a health report. These included dead rodents, evidence of rodent nests and rodent feces.
While rare, Hantavirus is a condition that spreads when humans come into contact with rodents, their urine, saliva or feces.
Live traps were also discovered around Hackman’s sprawling property, indicating that this could potentially have been an ongoing issue.
This report was issued by The New Mexico Department of Public Health and was carried out a shortly after the couple were discovered dead by neighbourhood security.
