More Details Emerge in Gene Hackman Case

Before her death, Gene Hackman‘s wife, Betsy Awakawa, looked up COVID-19 symptoms and purchased oxygen canisters prior to their bodies being found, Page Six reports.

Hackman and Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe Home on February 26, 2025. Following the investigation, it was determined that Arakawa passed away around February 12, a week before Hackman died.

Page Six obtained a copy of an incident report that said a laptop was located “in the hallway adjacent to the bathroom” where Arakawa’s body was discovered.

“He advised he found the computer unlocked and observed Betsy had conducted a search on Google. The search was in reference to ‘breathing techniques,’ or something similar to the matter,” the incident report said.

An email Arakawa sent on February 11 was also found, which read, “Hi Katia, So, G woke up today with flu/cold-like symptoms, did a covid test, negative. But out of abundance of caution, I should cancel my appt tomorrow and rebook, say, in a couple of weeks, last week of Feb if something is available. Thank you! Best, B.”

The report added that, “She never opened or sent additional e-mails” after Feb. 11.

That same day, her Amazon search and order history confirmed she “purchased several Boost Oxygen canisters.”

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arawaka Were Laid to Rest

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E! News reported on Tuesday that Hackman and Arakawa were laid to rest in a private funeral.

The memorial took place in Santa Fe with friends and family in attendance. Among them were Hackman’s three children –  Christopher (65), Elizabeth (62), and Leslie (58).

Body Cam Footage Released

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In body cam footage posted by TMZ on April 15, it shows Hackman and Arakawa’s dog guarding her body.

Police entered the house looking for the couple and discovered Arakawa’s body first. They then found Hackman’s body. One of Hackman and Arakawa’s dogs, Zinnia, was also discovered deceased in a crate. Santa Fe County animal control said that Zinnia likely died of dehydration and starvation.

Arakawa’s cause of death was determined to be Hanta Pulmonary Syndrome, which is a respiratory illness caused by hantaviruses, which are viruses that are primarily transmitted by rodents. As for Hackman, his cause of death had nothing to do with Hanta Pulmonary Syndrome. He passed away from heart disease with complications from Alzheimer’s disease.