A complex investigation unfolds as new cellphone records change the understanding of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa-Hackman's final days at their Santa Fe residence.
According to Fox News, preliminary phone records reveal Betsy did not pass away on February 11 as initially believed but made several calls to a medical center the following day.
The Santa Fe Sheriff's Department investigators discovered that Betsy's last phone activity included three outgoing calls to Cloudberry Health medical center on the morning of February 12, followed by one missed incoming call from the same facility that afternoon. This revelation significantly alters the previously established timeline of events leading to the discovery of their bodies on February 26.
Medical conditions and cause of death investigation
Gene Hackman's death was attributed to hypertensive atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease playing a significant contributing role. His pacemaker data indicated his last recorded activity was around February 18, suggesting he survived approximately a week after his wife's passing.
Betsy's cause of death was confirmed as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a condition transmitted from rodents to humans. Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell provided insight into the condition's symptoms. The Santa Fe Sheriff's Department stated:
We can now confirm that Mrs. Hackman's phone was utilized on the morning of February 12 to call a medical center in Santa Fe, Cloudberry Health.
The New Mexico Department of Health's involvement in the investigation helped establish the connection between Betsy's death and the rare viral infection.
Legal developments and privacy measures
The Hackman estate has taken legal action to protect sensitive information related to the investigation. A temporary restraining order now prevents the Office of the Medical Investigator and Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office from releasing certain records.
This court order specifically restricts the release of photographs, videos, and any footage showing the Hackmans' bodies or the interior of their residence. The restriction extends to images of deceased animals found at the property.
The order also temporarily blocks the disclosure of autopsy and death reports. A hearing scheduled for March 31 will determine the future handling of these sensitive materials.
Investigation status and remaining questions
Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza has indicated that investigators have resolved many outstanding questions in the case. However, they continue to await specific data to address remaining loose ends.
Toxicology results for both Gene and Betsy remain pending, representing one of the final pieces of information needed to complete the investigation. This data could provide additional context to the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The discovery of their bodies on February 26 came after weeks without any sightings of the couple, leading to concerns from the community and eventually the welfare check that revealed their passing.
Next steps in tragic investigation
The deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa-Hackman, have revealed a complex sequence of events at their Santa Fe home. Their passing involved various medical conditions, with Gene succumbing to cardiovascular issues complicated by Alzheimer's disease, while Betsy's death was caused by a rare hantavirus infection. The investigation continues as authorities await final toxicology results and prepare for a March 31 hearing regarding the release of sensitive case information.
