Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home in February. Initially, the cause of death remained uncertain, leaving many to speculate about the legendary Hollywood actor’s final moments. However, authorities have since confirmed that Hackman passed away due to natural causes.

Having lived a long and fulfilling life, Hackman shared over three decades of marriage with Arakawa. Now, new details have surfaced regarding his final years, shedding light on his personal struggles with aging. A close friend of the actor has revealed that Hackman had become increasingly preoccupied with the physical and emotional toll of getting older.

Their passing was first discovered when an individual, who identified himself as a caretaker, made a call to 911 just before 2 p.m. According to law enforcement, upon arrival at the scene, it was evident that the couple had been deceased for some time. In a heartfelt statement to People Magazine, Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, along with his granddaughter, Annie, expressed their deep sorrow. They described him as not just a Hollywood icon but a beloved father and grandfather whose absence would leave an immeasurable void in their lives.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy. He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss,” the family shared in their statement.

Following the discovery, the sheriff’s office ordered carbon monoxide and toxicology tests to rule out any external factors in their deaths. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza later confirmed that there were no signs of foul play. There was no evidence of a struggle or missing belongings, leading authorities to conclude that their deaths were not the result of criminal activity.

CNN later obtained the audio of the 911 call, providing more insight into how the tragedy unfolded. The maintenance workers who found the couple were visibly distressed, as one of them told the dispatcher that they could see the two bodies through the window but could not gain access to the house. The caller’s shaken voice underscored the gravity of the discovery.

The news of Hackman’s passing left many in shock, and speculation about the circumstances quickly spread. His daughter, Leslie, attempted to dispel concerns by stating that there were no prior indications of any health issues. Despite being 94, she described her father as being in excellent shape, actively practicing yoga and Pilates multiple times a week. She insisted that he had not undergone any major surgeries in recent months and remained relatively healthy for his age.

While his passing was not entirely unexpected given his advanced years, Leslie admitted that she had not seen her father in several months. Living in California, she maintained that despite the time apart, they remained close and that, as far as she knew, everything had been normal in his life.

A week after his passing, Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell officially confirmed that Hackman had died from coronary artery disease. Further investigation revealed that his health had been deteriorating more than those close to him realized. Authorities also suggested that his advanced Alzheimer’s may have prevented him from fully comprehending that his wife had passed away a week prior.

Reports later confirmed that Betsy Arakawa had died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare yet serious respiratory illness typically transmitted through exposure to infected rodents. Her passing was estimated to have occurred on February 11, while Hackman’s was determined to have taken place on February 18. The virus often causes flu-like symptoms for several days before rapidly deteriorating into severe respiratory failure, which can be fatal within 24 to 48 hours without immediate medical intervention.

Regarding whether Hackman was aware of his wife’s passing, Dr. Jarrell stated that his advanced stage of Alzheimer’s likely meant that he did not fully grasp the situation. Given the cognitive effects of the disease, it is entirely possible that he spent his final days oblivious to the loss of his longtime companion.

Born in San Bernardino, California, on January 30, 1930, Hackman’s early years were marked by a transient lifestyle as his family moved from town to town in search of work. His mother worked as a waitress, while his father operated a printing press. Eventually, they settled in Danville, Illinois, but Hackman had little patience for school. At just 16, he lied about his age to enlist in the Marines, seeking adventure and a sense of purpose. However, a severe motorbike accident ultimately forced him to leave the military, leading him to seek new career opportunities.

His time in the Marines introduced him to the world of radio communications, a skill that would later contribute to his unexpected transition into acting. In 1956, after marrying his first wife, Faye Maltese, Hackman decided to take a chance on an acting career. He moved to the West Coast and enrolled at the Pasadena Playhouse College of Theatre Arts, where he discovered his natural talent.

Among his classmates was Dustin Hoffman, who, like Hackman, was labeled by instructors as “least likely to succeed.” Despite their initial struggles, both men defied expectations and went on to become two of the most revered actors of their generation. Hackman’s career began with small roles on Broadway and in television before making his film debut in Mad Dog Coll (1961). It wasn’t until a decade later that he achieved his big break in Bonnie & Clyde (1967), earning his first Academy Award nomination.

By 1972, Hackman had solidified his place as one of Hollywood’s elite, winning an Academy Award for Best Actor for The French Connection. He continued to deliver powerhouse performances in films like Hoosiers, Unforgiven, and The Royal Tenenbaums, securing his status as a cinematic legend.

In his later years, Hackman gradually stepped away from the spotlight, retiring from acting after his role in Welcome to Mooseport (2004). He embraced a quieter life, enjoying his hobbies and spending time with his wife, Betsy, whom he married in 1991.

Despite his remarkable career, Hackman reportedly struggled with the reality of aging. A longtime friend, Stuart Ashman, revealed that Hackman remained highly active, engaging in physical activities such as cycling, Pilates, and yoga well into his 90s. However, he was increasingly bothered by the changes that came with age.

Another acquaintance, FBI agent Stephen Marshall, noted that Hackman was self-conscious about his appearance and found it difficult to see himself in old films. He reportedly avoided attending a screening of his own movie Night Moves, breaking into a cold sweat at the mere suggestion of watching himself on screen. His reluctance to confront his aging image contributed to his gradual withdrawal from public life.

Hackman’s passion for golf remained a significant part of his later years, though his competitive nature sometimes frustrated him. His golf instructor, Mike Putnam, recalled that Hackman was determined to master the sport, despite occasional struggles. Betsy, on the other hand, picked it up quickly, much to her husband’s chagrin.

Their love for each other remained steadfast, and those who knew them described their relationship as one of unwavering companionship. Their deaths, occurring so close together, were a poignant testament to their bond.

The world lost not just an extraordinary actor, but a man who touched the lives of many through his performances and personal relationships. His legacy will endure through his body of work, the memories shared by those who knew him, and the profound impact he left on the film industry.

Rest in peace, Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.