Gina Heslop
The world was shocked when news broke about the tragic deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
At first, it seemed like they had passed away from natural causes, but as more details emerged, the situation became far more complicated. Questions arose about what really happened in their final days, leaving both the public and their loved ones searching for answers.
For the first time since the news of their passing, one of Hackman’s children, Leslie Anne Allen, was seen in public. She was spotted in Los Angeles on March 9, just days after the autopsy results were released.
At 58 years old, Leslie is the youngest of Hackman’s three children from his first marriage to Faye Maltese. Now, along with her siblings Christopher Allen and Elizabeth Jean, she is left mourning the loss of her father in a way no one expected.
While many people sympathize with the family, some have criticized Leslie, questioning whether the tragedy could have been avoided if she had checked in on her father more often.
Others believe she should be given space to grieve without judgment. No matter the opinions, one fact remains clear—losing both Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa has left a deep emptiness in the hearts of those who loved them.
Their bodies were discovered in mid-February at their home in Santa Fe. At first, authorities suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, especially because the deaths happened so suddenly and at the same time.
Even Hackman’s daughter Elizabeth Jean shared with TMZ that the family thought toxic fumes might have been the cause. But the official autopsy report revealed a far more disturbing truth.
According to Dr. Heather Jarrell, New Mexico’s Chief Medical Investigator, Betsy Arakawa died first. She had contracted Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a rare but often deadly disease caused by exposure to rodent urine or feces.
In the days leading up to her death, she experienced flu-like symptoms such as fever, dizziness, and fatigue, but likely didn’t realize how serious her condition was.
Tragically, she was found collapsed with a bottle of medication beside her, as if she had been trying to take her medicine. Even one of the couple’s three dogs, a German Shepherd named Zinna, was found dead in the same room, while their other two dogs survived.
Gene Hackman, who was 95 years old and suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s disease, was left alone in the house after Betsy passed away.
With no one to care for him and no understanding of what had happened, he survived for a week before dying from heart disease on February 18. Authorities believe the emotional and physical toll of losing his wife may have caused his health to deteriorate even faster.
Following the autopsy results, Leslie Anne Allen spoke about her father’s passing for the first time. She admitted she was emotionally prepared for his death because of his advanced age but was deeply shocked by the unexpected loss of her stepmother and their dog.
She also reflected on her father’s later years, saying he had maintained a healthy lifestyle, eating well and practicing yoga and Pilates. She credited Betsy for taking care of him as his condition worsened. “I give credit to his wife, Betsy, for keeping him alive,” she said. “She took very, very good care of him, and I appreciate her for that. I’m heartbroken over her passing.”
However, medical experts challenged Leslie’s view of her father’s health. While she described him as being in good shape, the autopsy findings suggested otherwise. Dr. Heather Jarrell confirmed that Hackman had severe heart disease and that his overall health was very poor. The report also revealed that he had suffered multiple heart problems over the years, including previous heart attacks, high blood pressure, and kidney damage.
Leslie admitted that she hadn’t spoken to her father for months, though she insisted they had a close relationship. “We were close… I hadn’t talked to them for a couple of months, but everything was normal and good,” she said. Despite her reassurance, some critics believe more frequent check-ins could have prevented this tragedy.
Betsy Arakawa’s cause of death, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, has added another layer of mystery to the case. The virus is transmitted through contact with rodent droppings and is extremely difficult to diagnose because its symptoms resemble the flu.
According to experts, there is no specific cure, and its mortality rate is alarmingly high, between 38% and 50%. Many people who contract the virus don’t seek medical help until it’s too late.
Dr. Patricio Ros, an infectious disease specialist, explained why Hantavirus is so dangerous. “The hardest part about Hantavirus is detecting it early,” he said. “At first, the symptoms seem like a simple flu.
By the time people realize it’s something more serious, it’s often too late.” Health officials advise people to take precautions against rodent infestations and use proper cleaning methods when dealing with potentially contaminated areas.
As the Hackman family continues to grieve, public reactions remain mixed. Many have offered their condolences and support, while others continue to question whether more could have been done to prevent the tragedy.
Regardless of speculation, one thing is certain—Hollywood has lost one of its greatest actors, and the world will never forget Gene Hackman’s incredible contributions to cinema.
Now, Leslie Anne Allen and the rest of the family must find a way to move forward. The loss of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa serves as a heartbreaking reminder that life can change in an instant. For fans of Hackman, his passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to live on through his unforgettable performances.
