Gene Hackman, the Oscar-winning actor, and his wife Betsy Arakawa Hackman were found dead at their Santa Fe estate on February 26. The couple’s bodies were discovered by maintenance workers Jesse Kesler and Roland Lowe Begay after neither had been heard from in weeks.
According to authorities, Gene died of hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with Alzheimer’s disease as a contributing factor. Betsy’s body was found decomposed with bloating on her face and mummification in her hands and feet. The cause of death for both was confirmed as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which is typically transmitted through contact with rodents.
Investigators released hundreds of images from the estate, including evidence of dead rodents, rodent feces, and live traps throughout multiple buildings. A search warrant affidavit revealed that Betsy’s body showed signs of decomposition similar to her husband’s, suggesting they may have died together.
Newly released video footage shows one of their dogs protecting Betsy’s body when authorities arrived at the home. The couple’s children also traveled to Santa Fe for a private funeral service.
A review of Betsy’s computer and email revealed she had researched COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms multiple times before her death, sparking questions about whether she may have been seeking help or trying to self-diagnose. An investigation by New Mexico authorities has found no external trauma on either Gene or Betsy, leading detectives to describe their deaths as “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.”
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/gene-hackman-death-investigation-photo-evidence-emerges-hollywood-star-wife-betsy-4m-estate