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Mystery Surrounds Hackman Deaths, But Some Pieces Fall into Place
The tragic passing of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, has taken another turn. While initial reports left many questions unanswered, investigators have shed some light on the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Gene Hackman died of extensive heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease, while Betsy Arakawa succumbed to Hantavirus, a rare rodent-borne illness. Tragically, one of the couple’s dogs also perished, likely from dehydration and starvation after being confined to a cage. Two other dogs were found on the property, one near Arakawa’s body and the other outside.
Adding another layer to this already heartbreaking story is the revelation that the couple had been uneasy about a “strange man” who had reportedly followed them on at least two occasions. According to Betsy Arakawa’s hairdresser, who spoke to police, the man had parked outside their gated community and followed them to the town of White Rock.
He reportedly approached the couple with a folder of photos of Hackman, requesting autographs. Arakawa apparently confronted the man about his intrusive behavior.
The man’s identity remains undisclosed.
Initially, the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator placed Arakawa’s death on February 11th. However, Hackman’s doctor refuted this timeline, confirming a phone call from Arakawa on February 12th.
Arakawa had apparently cancelled a doctor’s appointment that day and, at that time, showed no signs of respiratory distress. The exact date of Arakawa’s passing remains unclear.
The investigation continues as authorities attempt to piece together the timeline of events leading up to the couple’s deaths. While some answers have emerged, the presence of the unidentified man and the discrepancies surrounding the date of Arakawa’s death add a lingering element of mystery to this tragic story.