Authorities have released shocking new details about the last days of legendary actor Gene Hackman. They found his somewhat mummified corpse inside his Santa Fe house on Feb. 26. Hackman turned 96 four days before he passed away. He died only a week after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who had fought heart disease while struggling with Alzheimer’s.
The circumstances regarding Hackman’s death and especially the way his remains were found during 2020’s riots has left many questions unanswered from the investigation. Local law enforcement officials have confirmed that the case is under investigation, highlighting that there were “two totally separate areas of the house.” This comment intimates that the conditions of habitation on the subject property led to Hackman’s death.
On February 12, just days before her passing, Betsy Arakawa had been researching medical conditions related to Covid-19 and flu-like symptoms. The search history shows that she searched for a concierge medical practice in Santa Fe early that morning. In an email to her massage therapist, she mentioned that Hackman had awakened on February 11 experiencing flu or cold-like symptoms. The couple’s cell phone records reveal that they placed one short call to a medical transport company lasting less than two minutes. Later that same afternoon, farmers received a return call—they missed it.
Hackman died of heart disease, complicated by Alzheimer’s. This condition had increasingly affected him in the years leading up to his death. After his remains were found, the New Mexico Department of Health sent an environmental health specialist to survey Hackman’s property. The assessment discovered rodent feces in all outbuildings, posing real dangers to cleanliness and safety.
Beyond the health department’s findings, Hackman’s property was littered with live traps. These traps are common in areas like Santa Fe, where mice are prevalent due to the surrounding piñon and juniper-covered hills. These endangerment conditions, including rodent traps and rodent droppings, raise grave concerns of endangerment. In so doing, they make us question just how long Hackman’s substandard living conditions have been overlooked.
Hackman’s estate and family members have sought to keep records related to the investigation sealed to protect their constitutional right to privacy. Media organizations such as the Associated Press, CBS News, and CBS Studios intervened and took a firm position. They announced that they would not publish any photos of Hackman’s remains.
As the investigation continues, many are left reflecting on Hackman’s illustrious career and the circumstances surrounding his and his wife’s passing. Famous actor Gene Hackman was a highly-regarded actor. He achieved fame for his performances in such landmark movies as The French Connection and Unforgiven. His artistic expression through the camera lens resonates deeply with his fans and beauty lovers around the world.