Gene Hackman Death Investigation: Betsy 'Didn't Know How Sick She Was' in Final Days

Gene Hackman's wife, Betsy Arakawa-Hackman, was initially presumed to have passed away on February 11 due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, but new revelations suggest she may not have fully understood the severity of her condition in her final days.

Dr. Josiah Child, a physician from Cloudberry Health, shared in an exclusive interview that Betsy, a classical pianist, had contacted his practice on February 12, seeking advice for congestion. Dr. Child noted that she did not mention symptoms commonly associated with hantavirus, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or fever. Betsy had canceled a prior appointment, citing her husband's health concerns, and later called back on February 12 to reschedule. However, she never made it to the appointment.

The Santa Fe Sheriff's Department confirmed that Betsy's phone was active on February 12, with three calls made to Cloudberry Health that morning and one incoming call from the medical center later that afternoon. Despite the scheduled appointment, Betsy did not show up, and subsequent attempts to reach her were unsuccessful.

Dr. Child speculated that Betsy might have either underestimated her illness or been distracted by concerns for her husband. "She didn’t recognize the second phase of hantavirus, which rapidly progresses to invade the lungs," Child explained. He further suggested that Betsy’s focus on her husband or her tolerance for discomfort may have contributed to her lack of awareness regarding her deteriorating health.

Betsy’s death was officially attributed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease transmitted from rodents to humans. The condition can lead to severe respiratory issues, including lung failure. Meanwhile, Hackman's own cause of death was determined to be hypertensive atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease listed as a contributing factor. Officials believe Hackman died alone in their home about a week later, with his pacemaker recording its last activity on February 18.

In a separate development, the Hackman estate secured a temporary restraining order to block the release of photographs, videos, and other records related to the couple’s deaths. The order prohibits the disclosure of autopsy reports, lapel footage, and images from the interior of their residence, with a hearing scheduled for March 31.

The tragic circumstances surrounding the deaths of Gene and Betsy Hackman continue to raise questions about the timeline and their final days. As the investigation unfolds, the couple’s legacy and contributions to the arts remain firmly etched in public memory.