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Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, looked up COVID-19 symptoms and ordered oxygen canisters shortly before she and her husband were found dead in their New Mexico home on Feb. 26.
According to an incident report obtained Tuesday by Page Six, an investigator “located a laptop computer 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 stated.
Another investigator “located an e-mail Betsy sent on Feb. 11th, 2025, at 10:24 a.m.,” 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.”
According to the incident report, “She never opened or sent additional e-mails” after Feb. 11.
Investigators also discovered via Arakawa’s Amazon search and order history that she “purchased several Boost Oxygen canisters” that same day.
It’s believed the classical pianist died on Feb. 12. She was 65.
Arakawa’s cause of death was hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), which is a rare but potentially life-threatening viral illness transmitted to humans from the infected urine, droppings or saliva of certain species of rats and mice.
It can also spread through a bite or scratch by these rodents.
Symptoms of the virus include chills, fever, headache, muscle aches, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, which can progress to coughing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest due to fluid filling the lungs.
COVID-19, which is caused by the coronavirus, carries similar symptoms.
According to the incident report, the New Mexico Department of Health found live rodent traps on the reclusive couple’s property.
Though “the main dwelling was found to be clean, with no evidence of rodent activity,” rodent feces was discovered “in all three garages as well as in both casitas.”
Additionally, “three sheds on the property were noted to be accessible to rodents.”
Surprisingly, Hackman tested negative for hantavirus. The legendary actor’s cause of death was hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease being a significant contributory factor. He was 95.
His pacemaker last showed signs of activity on Feb. 18, indicating an abnormal heart rhythm on the day he likely died.
It’s believed Hackman was alone with his dead wife for about a week, as he likely didn’t know she had died due to his mental state.
Their partially mummified bodies — as well as that of one of their dogs — were found in different rooms of their severely cluttered home.
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