The Santa Fe, New Mexico community is mourning the loss of beloved "Hoosiers" star Gene Hackman and his wife Arakawa after their bodies were found in their residence on February 26, 2024. The 95-year-old actor and his 65-year-old wife reportedly succumbed to separate health issues, with Hackman passing due to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease compounded by late-stage Alzheimer's disease. Meanwhile, Arakawa likely died from a hantavirus infection contracted from rodents.
The discovery of the couple in their mansion came as a shock to many, with maintenance and security workers making the grim find. Officials believe that Hackman died on February 17, the last date his pacemaker registered any activity. This tragic conclusion followed Arakawa's death, which likely occurred on February 11. New Mexico Chief Medical Examiner Heather Jarrell shared these findings during a news conference, providing insight into the final days of the couple's lives.
"He was in an advanced state of Alzheimer’s disease and it was quite possible he did not know that she was deceased." – Jarrell
The sequence of events leading to this tragedy began on February 9 when the couple's dog underwent a medical procedure. This detail explains why the dog was kept in a crate, isolated from its owners. Notably, February 11 marked Arakawa's last outing from their gated community and the last time she communicated with anyone outside their home.
On February 17, Hackman's pacemaker recorded abnormal rhythm indicative of atrial fibrillation, marking the last sign of heart activity before his presumed death. Jarrell noted that Hackman was in poor health, suffering from advanced Alzheimer's disease, which may have caused him to be unaware of his wife's passing days earlier.
"He was in a very poor state of health," – Jarrell
In addition to her role as caretaker, Arakawa managed household affairs. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza reported no evidence of a caretaker assisting them, which may have contributed to the delay in discovering their deaths.
Hackman's last public appearance was for a medical appointment in March 2024, underscoring ongoing health challenges. Despite his diminished capacity due to Alzheimer's disease, officials found no indication that he engaged in any technological communication or used electronic devices.
"which was the last record of heart activity," – Jarrell
Arakawa's death is attributed to hantavirus, a rare but serious illness transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings. The virus begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever and nausea and rapidly progresses to severe respiratory distress. It can take from one week to eight weeks for symptoms to manifest post-exposure. Jarrell confirmed that Arakawa likely contracted the virus within this timeframe, resulting in her sudden demise.
This tragic event highlights the couple's isolated existence within their Santa Fe home. With no external aides or visitors documented during this period, they faced their declining health alone. The absence of regular communication or electronic correspondence further contributed to the delay in discovery.
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