Gene Hackman, the esteemed actor renowned for his roles in classics like "The French Connection" and "Superman," passed away on February 26, 2025, at the age of 95. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, a former concert pianist and businesswoman, died a week earlier, reportedly from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare illness transmitted through rodent droppings.
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The couple's deaths were discovered after concerned neighbors requested a wellness check on their Santa Fe, New Mexico, residence. Authorities found the mummified remains of both Hackman and Arakawa, along with their deceased dog, Zinna, a 12-year-old kelpie mix. Zinna had reportedly died from dehydration and starvation and was found in a crate near Arakawa's body. Gene Hackman is believed to have passed shortly after his wife, succumbing to heart complications and Alzheimer's disease.
In the aftermath, Elisabeth Hackman, the couple's daughter, instructed authorities to cremate and bury the family dog alongside her mother. This request was made after police discovered the mummified bodies during a wellness check. Zinna had died of dehydration and starvation and was found in a crate near Arakawa's body, who succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
The circumstances surrounding their deaths have led to various speculations. Leslie Anne Allen, Hackman's youngest daughter from his previous marriage, expressed a desire to understand the timeline of events, stating she was anxious to find out how long her father and stepmother had been deceased. Additionally, some reports suggest that carbon monoxide poisoning might have contributed to their deaths, though no official confirmation has been made.
Gene Hackman's estate, valued at approximately $80 million, has become a subject of discussion. Reports indicate that Hackman left his entire estate to his wife, Betsy Arakawa, through a living trust. This arrangement has raised questions about the inheritance rights of Hackman's three children from his previous marriage, as they are acknowledged but not named as beneficiaries. The ambiguity surrounding the wills has led to speculation about potential legal disputes among the heirs.
The family has requested privacy during this difficult time, seeking to block the release of additional autopsy details and photographs related to the deaths. A judge has temporarily upheld this request, emphasizing the family's desire for confidentiality.