Gene Hackman's Wife's Desperate Final Hours: Frantic Google Search and Tragic Love Note
One year ago, legendary actor Gene Hackman and his pianist wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead at their Santa Fe, New Mexico home. Bodycam footage has now shed light on the musician's tragic final hours, revealing frantic Google searches and poignant love notes.
The Tragic Discovery
The couple were discovered partially mummified on February 26, with Betsy, 65, succumbing to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome—a rare illness transmitted by rats. Gene, 95, died about a week later from heart disease, exacerbated by advanced Alzheimer's disease. It is believed his condition had progressed so far that he may not have realised his wife of 34 years had already passed away, leaving him alone in the mansion they designed together.
Concerning Google Searches
Officers found open internet searches on Betsy's laptop for COVID-19 symptoms, dated February 8 and 12—the day she is thought to have died. Her frantic queries included "can COVID cause dizziness?" and "Flu and nosebleeds," symptoms now understood to be triggered by hantavirus. Severe headaches are common in hantavirus cases, affecting about half of patients, though nosebleeds are less widespread.
Final Emails and Alarming Purchases
One of Betsy's last emails was sent to her masseuse on February 11, rescheduling an appointment due to persistent symptoms. She mentioned suspecting coronavirus but noted a negative test, cancelling "out of an abundance of caution." That same day, she purchased oxygen canisters from Amazon for "respiratory support," indicating breathing difficulties for her or Gene.
Medication Chaos and Haunting Last Sighting
Photographs from the home showed a chaotic spread of medication across the bathroom sink, with containers open and tablets scattered. Betsy's final public appearance was captured on CCTV on February 11 at a Sprouts Grocery Market and a Shine Pet Food store in Santa Fe, where she wore a black face mask.
Sweet Love Notes
Love notes reveal the couple's deep affection, with Gene consistently signing off as "Love, G." In one note, he wrote, "Morning, lovely girl, thinking of you and the other little guys. Love G." Another showed humour amid health challenges: "Ho, Ho, I am off to see the Wizard... But I'll survive because after I am still alive. (But sometimes just barely). Love G."
Rat Infestation and Health Risks
A health inspection a week after the deaths found dead rodents and nests in eight outbuildings on the property, turning their $4 million estate into a breeding ground for hantavirus. Droppings were discovered in garages, casitas, and sheds, with the virus spreading through rodent urine and droppings. Inspectors also found a live rodent, a dead rodent, and a nest in additional garages, prompting measures to protect first responders.
