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Married American couple, Classical musician Betsy Arakawaand actor Gene Hackman, attend the Thalians Ball (in honor of Liza Minnelli) at the Century Plaza Hotel, Century City, California, October 8, 1994. © Getty

REST IN PEACE

Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy have been laid to rest following tragic details about their deaths

The couple had been married since 1991


Jovita Trujillo
Senior Writer
APRIL 15, 2025 6:23 PM EDT

Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy's, 65, death sent shockwaves throughout Hollywood. With an investigation and heartbreaking details coming to light, they have officially been laid to rest. 

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa© Getty Images
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa

The couple—who were tragically found dead inside their home back on February 26—were honored in a private funeral and memorial attended by close friends and family. Gene’s three children, whom he welcomed with his ex-wife, Faye Maltese, Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie, were also in attendance, per People

American couple, actor Gene Hackman and Classical musician Betsy Arakawa, attend the Mission Hills Celebrity Sports Invitational, Rancho Mirage, California, November 30, 1991. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images) © Ron Galella Collection via Getty
The couple lived a very private life the last years of their lives

An insider told the outlet it took place in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where their home was. It’s a heartbreaking end to a very private chapter for the two. 

The couple had been living quietly in Santa Fe for years, rarely seen in public, though they were photographed together just last spring on a lunch outing. They died 7 days apart, with Betsy passing first. 

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home alongside their dog© Getty
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home alongside their dog

Their bodies were found alongside their dog Zinna, who had sadly also passed away. Two other dogs survived and were found roaming their sprawling property. Their dogs played a key role in his discovery. 

It was later confirmed that Betsy died from hantavirus—a rare but deadly illness linked to rodent droppings—while the two-time Oscar winner passed a week later from heart disease, high blood pressure, and Alzheimer's.

Following their passing, his daughter expressed gratitude, giving "credit" to her stepmom "for keeping him alive." "[Betsy] took very, very good care of him and was always looking out for his health. So I am appreciative to her for that, and I'm very saddened by her passing," she told the Daily Mail.

Leslie, Elizabeth, and Gene's granddaughter Annie released a joint statement sharing the news of his death, "He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss," it read in part.

Records from the New Mexico Department of Public Health were obtained by PEOPLE, revealing that officials found rodent nests and droppings scattered throughout the property, including in garages and sheds.

It’s a devastating story, but the couple, who had been married since 1991, are now at peace.

Rest in peace.

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