A New Mexico doctor reported that Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, contacted his office a day after her death was announced by police.
Officials confirmed that pianist Betsy Arakawa, 65, passed away on February 11 due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, while Gene Hackman, 95, died eight days later from heart disease. Dr. Josiah Child, who operates Cloudberry Health in New Mexico, informed the Daily Mail that Arakawa called his office on February 12 to arrange an appointment.
Dr. Child stated that the appointment was not related to pulmonary issues, which are typically associated with hantavirus patients.
READ: Gene Hackman Died of Heart Disease, While Wife Betsy Arakawa Had Hantavirus
In the weeks leading up to her death, Arakawa was reported to have called Dr. Child’s office to schedule a heart scan for Gene Hackman. She also arranged an appointment for herself but canceled it two days prior, citing that Hackman was unwell.
“She called back on the morning of February 12 and spoke to one of our doctors, who advised her to come in that afternoon. We scheduled her an appointment, but she did not attend. She did not exhibit any respiratory distress symptoms. The appointment was not related to hantavirus. We attempted to contact her several times, but received no response,” the doctor explained to the Daily Mail.
Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman were discovered deceased at their Santa Fe residence on February 27. Arakawa was found on the bathroom floor, alongside scattered pills on the countertop, while Hackman was located in the mudroom, with sunglasses beside him. Zenna, their kelpie mix, was found dead in a kennel within a bathroom closet near Arakawa’s body, while their other two dogs were found alive on the property.
Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Examiner, stated that Arakawa tested positive for hantavirus, a rare infectious disease primarily transmitted by deer mice. Alzheimer’s disease was noted as a contributing factor in Hackman’s passing.
Jarrell mentioned that Arakawa sent an email on February 11 before visiting a pet store, pharmacy, and grocery store. Data indicated that this was the last day she was confirmed to be alive, according to Jarrell.
Hackman’s pacemaker indicated the last activity recorded was on February 18.
The deaths of Hackman and Arakawa were ruled natural causes.
Initially, police dismissed rumors of carbon monoxide poisoning, confirming that there was no evidence of a gas leak. They also reported no signs of forced entry, even with the front door open.
Annually, approximately three to four cases of hantavirus are reported, with the virus proving fatal in 38 to 50 percent of cases in the Southwest.
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[Feature Photo: AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File]
