The bodies of Hollywood star Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have been buried in an intimate family funeral nearly two months after they were found dead
Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have been buried almost two months after their deaths shocked the world. Their funeral service was held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, it has been reported.
Prior to their burial, Gene’s three children and a number of close friends attended a private memorial. The couple, who were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26, have now been laid to rest.
Their deaths stunned the world after they were discovered at their home along with one of their dogs, a kelpie mix named Zinna. Two other dogs were found alive and well at the $4million property.
Betsy and Gene Hackman were found dead in February (
Image:
AP)
Despite the initial mystery surrounding their death, it was later discovered Betsy had died around a week before her husband. The post-mortem examination showed Betsy, who was also known as Betsy Hackman, 65, died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome – a rare but potentially fatal disease which spreads to humans through infected rodent droppings or saliva.
A pathologist added that Gene had died of heart disease a week after his wife. Dr Heather Jarrell, chief medical examiner for New Mexico, also said that Alzheimer’s disease was “a significant contributory factor”.
The expert said was “reasonable to conclude” that Betsy died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome on February 11 at the couple’s home in Santa Fe. Discussing Gene’s death, she added: “Mr Hackman’s initial pacemaker data revealed cardiac activity on February 17, with subsequent pacemaker interrogation demonstrating an abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation on February 18, which was the last record of heart activity.
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“Based on this information, it is reasonable to conclude that Mr Hackman probably died around February 18. Based on the circumstances, it is reasonable to conclude that Ms Hackman passed away first with February 11 being the last time that she was known to be alive.”
Their home was said to be a ‘breeding ground’ for the hantavirus (
Image:
Jonathan Buckmaster)
A health assessment carried out by the New Mexico Department of Public Health a week after the pair’s bodies were discovered found dead rodents and their nests in ‘eight detached outbuildings’ on the spacious property. According to TMZ, this made it a ‘breeding ground’ for the deadly hantavirus.
It has since been revealed that in the days prior to her death, Betsy was looking for health information and breathing techniques. The rare, rodent-borne disease that killed her is known to have a range of symptoms.
These include flu-like illness, headaches, dizziness and severe respiratory distress. Now, a review of the open bookmarks on her computer on February 8 and the morning of February 12 have revealed her search history.
The details show Betsy had actively researched medical conditions related to COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms.
