Gene Hackman's Final Days: New Findings Change Death Timeline and Cause of Death

The couple was found dead on February 26, but officials now believe they had been deceased for some time before neighborhood security discovered them.

Initially, investigators estimated that Arakawa had died on February 11 and Hackman a week later. However, new cell phone data has revealed that Arakawa was still alive on February 12.

Records show that she made multiple calls that morning to Cloudberry Health, a local concierge medical practice, seeking treatment for congestion.

The clinic confirmed she had reached out but never received medical care.

Dr. Josiah Child, the head of Cloudberry Health, stated that Arakawa had previously scheduled an appointment for February 12 but had canceled two days prior, citing her need to care for Hackman.

On the morning of February 12, she attempted to reschedule but never made it to the clinic. Despite repeated follow-up calls from the clinic, she did not answer.

The last confirmed sighting of Arakawa was on February 11, when she visited a grocery store, a pharmacy, and a pet store before returning home at approximately 5:15 p.m. Data from her garage door opener confirmed this timeline.

Cause of Death Confirmed

The Santa Fe Office of the Medical Investigator determined that Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and often fatal respiratory disease transmitted by rodents. Authorities now believe she passed away sometime after making her last phone calls on February 12.

As for Hackman, officials estimate he died on February 18, based on data from his pacemaker, which recorded an abnormal atrial fibrillation rhythm that day.

His cause of death was attributed to severe heart disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease listed as a contributing factor. Experts believe his cognitive condition may have prevented him from understanding that his wife had died, leaving him disoriented and unable to seek help.

Medical experts consulted by the BBC suggested that Hackman likely went through cycles of confusion and grief, possibly trying to wake Arakawa before his disease left him too overwhelmed or distracted to act.

This tragic cycle may have repeated for several days before he ultimately succumbed to his own health complications.

Tragic Aftermath

A necropsy report also revealed that one of the couple’s three dogs, which had been crated while recovering from surgery, died from starvation and dehydration. The remaining two dogs were found alive in the home.

As the investigation continues, representatives for Hackman and Arakawa’s estate have taken legal steps to block the release of body camera footage and other visual evidence from their home.

A New Mexico judge has issued a temporary restraining order preventing the release of these materials, with a hearing scheduled for March 31.