Gene Hackman’s death took an unexpected turn: dog’s clue changed everything
The shock deaths of Gene Hackman, his wife, and dog are still under investigation.
Gene Hackman’s death shocked the world of entertainment, with the beloved actor’s passing seeing a flood of heartfelt condolences from across the world.
Added to the sadness of his death was also the mystery surrounding it, as the actor was found dead on February 26 in his Santa Fe, New Mexico home with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and family dog. The couple were found in separate rooms with no signs of external trauma and no carbon monoxide detected.
It’s awful to think Gene Hackman was on his own, no doubt bewildered because of his Alzheimer’s, for a full week after his wife died suddenly of hantavirus.
— Dr Louise Raw (@LouiseRawAuthor) March 7, 2025
No one checked on him.
I hope, at least, people will drop the crazy conspiracy theories now.
RIP. pic.twitter.com/mcPQlfBtBx
In a press conference, Dr Heather Jerrell, New Mexico’s Chief Medical Examiner revealed that Arakawa died from a fatal respiratory illness transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents. She was said to be last seen on 11 February on security cameras as she completed errands at Sprouts market and a CVS pharmacy.
Gene Hackman himself was said by Jerrell to have died of hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Variety reporting that his “pacemaker registered cardiac activity on Feb. 17. On Feb. 18, the pacemaker picked up an abnormal rhythm, which was the last recording, suggesting that he died that day.”
The actor, 95, had advanced Alzheimer’s disease, as well as severe heart disease.
The tragedy was explained by Jerrell: “He was in an advanced state of Alzheimer’s and it is quite possible he was not aware she was deceased.”
BREAKING: Actor Gene Hackman died of heart disease days after his wife, Betsy, died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) March 7, 2025
Now all you conspiracy theorist nut jobs can shut up
pic.twitter.com/y1j9g24KEd
The cause of death for the dog, Zinna, has not yet been confirmed by vets. However, the dog was found inside a carry crate after being picked up by Arakawa from Gruda Veterinary Hospital, 2 days before she was last seen. “There was a procedure that was done with the dog, which may explain why their dog was in a crate at the residence,” Sheriff Adan Mendoza said in a statement.
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