Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Death Timeline Shifts as New Clues Emerge and Estate Questions Loom

Nearly three weeks after Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe home, new findings have emerged about the timeline of their deaths. Initially, authorities believed that Arakawa died earlier than Hackman; however, recent investigations reveal that she may have lived at least a day longer than previously thought.

Arakawa reportedly died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome on February 11, and Hackman, suffering from cardiovascular disease with Alzheimer’s as a contributing factor, passed away about a week later.

Arakawa’s Final Calls and Missed Appointment Reveal Critical Clues About Her Last Day

New information shows that Arakawa made three phone calls on February 12 to Cloudberry Health, seeking medical advice. This suggests she was alive and experiencing symptoms related to hantavirus that morning. Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza emphasized that these personal conversations indicated she was actively seeking help. Vanity Fair reached out to the sheriff’s office for further comment, though officials are maintaining a cautious approach as the investigation continues.

Further details from a Cloudberry Health physician revealed that Arakawa had scheduled, then canceled, a medical appointment for February 12, citing Hackman’s deteriorating health. Despite encouragement from the clinic to come in that afternoon, she never arrived. Subsequent calls to her went unanswered. The lack of respiratory symptoms initially noted by the clinic adds a layer of complexity to understanding how quickly her condition worsened.

Revised Death Timeline Could Impact Estate Plans and Spark Legal Battles Over Privacy Rights

The revised timeline could have major implications for Hackman’s $80 million estate. According to legal experts, if Arakawa survived Hackman by even a short time, their respective wills might be affected. Hackman had left his estate to Arakawa, and she had stipulated that her assets should go to charity if Hackman died within 90 days of her death. Since Hackman’s three children were not named in the will, probate proceedings could lead to challenges over inheritance rights.

To respect the couple’s lifelong emphasis on privacy, a New Mexico judge temporarily sealed police and medical records related to their deaths. The estate’s legal team argued that the Hackmans were known for vigilantly safeguarding their private lives. A hearing scheduled for March 31 will determine whether these materials will remain permanently sealed, as law enforcement agencies push for a different outcome.