Actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe home in February, with Arakawa succumbing to hantavirus and Hackman likely following a week later due to health issues.

The tragic deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa raise significant concerns not only about public health, given Arakawa's fatal hantavirus infection, but also regarding the legal complexities that now surround Hackman's estate, valued at $80 million. As Arakawa's death was initially misreported, the timing could impact the distribution of assets, as Hackman did not include his children in his will. This dual tragedy underscores the devastating personal loss while setting the stage for potential legal disputes over the actor's legacy.

Betsy Arakawa was last seen on February 11, 2025, when she was recorded on surveillance video visiting several stores before returning to her gated community. However, she called Cloudberry Health for medical assistance on the morning of February 12, suggesting she was ill. Betsy Arakawa's death was initially believed to have occurred on February 11, but later information indicated she was alive on February 12.

On the morning of February 12, a day after her last sighting, Arakawa contacted Cloudberry Health for medical assistance. This call suggests that she was experiencing health issues at the time, although the specific nature of her illness was not disclosed until later.

Tragically, Betsy Arakawa's health condition was later determined to be hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but serious disease that is transmitted through contact with rodent excrement. This information highlights the risks associated with such infections, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Following Arakawa's death, Gene Hackman, her husband of many years, experienced a significant decline in health. He was believed to have died around February 18, approximately one week after his wife's passing. Hackman's death was attributed to cardiovascular disease that had been worsened by advanced Alzheimer's disease.

The couple shared their home with three dogs, two of which were later found alive and successfully adopted into new homes. A third dog was discovered dead in a crate, likely the result of dehydration and starvation. The conditions in which the animals were found have raised further concerns regarding the couple's final days.

Initially, it was believed that Betsy Arakawa had died on February 11, but subsequent investigations revealed she was alive the following day, further complicating the timeline surrounding the couple's tragic deaths. This adjustment in the timeline is crucial as it may impact the interpretation of Hackman's will and estate distribution.

Gene Hackman's pacemaker provided recorded health data until February 18, marking its last known activity just before his death. This information could play a role in determining the timeline of events leading to his passing.

Hackman's will, which bequeaths his substantial estate valued at $80 million entirely to Betsy Arakawa, may face legal implications due to the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Notably, Hackman did not include any provisions for his children, raising the possibility that parties may contest the validity of the bequests.

As investigations continue, it remains to be seen how the timing of the couple's deaths may influence the legal implications surrounding Hackman's wealth and legacy.