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Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were laid to rest in Santa Fe following a private memorial attended by close friends and family, including Hackman’s children—Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie. The couple passed away in February 2025, and the quiet ceremony reflected the private life they had chosen in their later years.
The memorial honored their decades-long relationship and peaceful life out of the spotlight. Authorities later confirmed that Arakawa died from hantavirus, a rare and dangerous illness spread by rodent droppings. Hackman died roughly a week later from complications linked to advanced heart disease and Alzheimer’s.
In a heartbreaking detail, one of the couple’s three dogs, Zinna, also died in the home from starvation and dehydration. However, their other pets, Bear and Nikita, were safely rescued and have since been placed in new, caring homes. Hackman’s estate confirmed that both animals are healthy and adjusting well.
Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner known for iconic roles in The French Connection, Superman, Unforgiven, and Enemy of the State, retired from acting in 2004. He lived a quiet life in Santa Fe with Arakawa, a classical pianist, focusing on writing and enjoying their time together away from Hollywood.
Their bodies were discovered at their residence on February 26, 2025, bringing a quiet and tragic close to the lives of one of Hollywood’s most respected actors and his longtime partner.