Veteran actor Gene Hackman and his spouse discovered deceased in their New Mexico residence, according to the local sheriff's announcement.
Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa: A Tragic Loss
Two notable figures in the world of entertainment, Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakwa, were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on February 27, 2025. The medical examiners confirmed that both deaths were natural causes.
Gene Hackman, a two-time Academy Award-winning actor, was a fixture on movie screens for decades. Known for his roles in "The French Connection," "Mississippi Burning," "Unforgiven," and "Superman," among others, Hackman appeared in dozens of films throughout his illustrious career.
Betsy Arakwa, on the other hand, was not a public figure. However, her tragic death has brought attention to a lesser-known disease, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. According to reports, Arakwa likely died around February 11, 2025, from this severe respiratory illness, which can be contracted through exposure to infected mice or their droppings.
Hackman's death was due to significant heart disease complicated by advanced Alzheimer’s disease. He passed away around February 17-18, 2025, following a period without eating and evidence of severe cardiac and kidney damage due to chronic high blood pressure.
There was no evidence of foul play or trauma in either death, and both were categorized under natural causes. Surveillance and medical data suggest Arakwa was active on February 11, attending errands and communicating with a massage therapist before falling ill.
Meanwhile, another notable actor, Gene Wilder, passed away at the age of 83, but the exact date and cause of his death remain unspecified. Wilder was known for his roles in "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," "Young Frankenstein," and "Blazing Saddles."
In a heartwarming tribute, the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts is hosting a concert in honour of Hackman and Glenn Miller on April 7 at 3:00 PM. The Tex Beneke Orchestra, The Mills Brothers, The Satin Dollz, Leigh Vance, and other artists are part of this tribute.
The John Glenn High baseball team, for whom Hackman was a supporter, lost in the wild card game of the CIF-Southern Section Division 3 playoffs. The game was against West Torrance, and the team was limited to two hits.
Hackman was born in San Bernardino in 1930. His legacy in the film industry will continue to be celebrated, and his contributions to entertainment will not be forgotten.
[1] New Mexico Medical Examiner's Office [2] Santa Fe Sheriff's Office [3] Gene Hackman Family Representatives [4] Hackman's Personal Physician [5] Arakwa's Massage Therapist
- The community is paying tribute to the late Gene Hackman, revered figure in the world of entertainment, through a concert at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, where various artists will honor his legacy.
- Despite being a private individual, Betsy Arakawa, Gene Hackman's wife, made headlines in the community news due to the lesser-known disease, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, that took her life.
