Gene Hackman's Wife, Betsy, Made a Disturbing Amazon Order Shortly Before Death

The sheriff’s files reveal new details about the ongoing police investigation into the tragic deaths of the couple at their home in New Mexico.

In the days leading up to her tragic death, Betsy Arakawa, the 65-year-old wife of legendary actor Gene Hackman, made several troubling actions that indicated she may have been struggling with her health. One of these was making a disturbing Amazon order.

On February 11, just a day before her passing, Arakawa placed an order for oxygen canisters on Amazon, presumably for respiratory support. The timing of the order, along with her searches for flu-like symptoms and breathing techniques, paints a concerning picture of her health struggles.

In the investigation of Arakawa and her husband's demise, authorities unearthed more, including a series of concerning actions and inquiries by Arakawa in those days leading up to her death.

Between February 8 and February 12, she had been actively searching for information about flu-like symptoms, COVID-19, and breathing techniques. Some of the searches she did included, "can Covid cause dizziness?" and "Flu and nosebleeds".

A look through her email correspondence also shed light into how she felt before her demise. One of Arakawa’s final emails, sent on February 11 was addressed to her massage therapist.

In the message, she explained that she needed to reschedule her appointment due to ongoing symptoms, which she believed might be linked to the coronavirus, despite a negative test result.

Arakawa also mentioned that Gene Hackman had woken up with flu-like symptoms but had tested negative for COVID-19 as well. Even so, she said she was canceling the appointment "out of an abundance of caution."

Hackman's wife had also reached out to a concierge medical service in Santa Fe for advice, though the service could not connect with her at the time.

The investigation's findings suggest Arakawa was concerned about her health and may have been preparing for a possible medical emergency, yet her efforts to seek help were ultimately too late.

Additionally, newly released photos from inside the Hackman home reveal a chaotic scene, with medications scattered across the bathroom sink cabinet. At the forefront, two medication canisters were visible, one of which was open, with several tablets lying beside it.

A partially open drawer revealed at least two more medication containers. The work surface by the sink was cluttered with face creams, makeup, old notes, empty toothpaste wrappers, and even a trophy, adding to the disorder.

Her death only adds to the mystery of her declining health and the tragic timing of these final actions. Arakawa was likely treating what she thought was flu or COVID-19, but her symptoms were actually caused by hantavirus. The disease can cause severe respiratory symptoms.

The hantavirus that ultimately led to Arakawa’s death around February 12 was likely contracted from rodent droppings and urine found throughout the Hackman property.

A health assessment conducted a week after the bodies were discovered revealed that several detached outbuildings on the property, including garages, sheds, and casitas, were infested with rodents.

This made the $4 million estate a breeding ground for the virus, which is typically spread when individuals come into contact with contaminated droppings or urine.

Upon Arakawa's death, her husband of more than 30 years, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease, was likely unaware of her passing. Hackman, 95, would follow shortly after, dying on February 18. Pathologists suspect he succumbed to severe heart disease and complications from Alzheimer's. Their bodies were found on 26 February.

The couple's children had attempted to block the release of new sheriff's records with this new information. Their move was challenged by news organizations citing New Mexico's public records laws.

County manager Gregory S. Shaffer explained that while the family’s privacy was a priority, the county was legally obligated to release the records under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), to avoid potential lawsuits and legal fees.

As a result, photos, hours of footage, and other documents were made public. Authorities indicated that additional records, including dashboard camera footage, may be released in the future.

Among the documents released were heartfelt love notes that revealed the deep affection Betsy Arakawa and Hackman had for each other. The couple, married in 1991, often exchanged handwritten messages.

The movie star regularly signed off his notes with "Love, G." While the dates of the notes are unclear, he referred to Arakawa affectionately as his "lovely girl." One note read, "Morning lovely girl, thinking of you and the other little guys. Love G."

In another, Hackman seemed to acknowledge his health challenges but humorously downplayed them, "Ho, Ho, I am off to see the Wizard, the Wizz of Achie, Pokie. 'She stabs me here and stabs me there, she stabs me almost everywhere (almost). But I'll survive because after I am still alive. (But sometimes just barely). Love G."

He also wrote, "I'm going down to that building out past the hot water place where you sit, and do whatever it is that people are supposed to do in such a building - maybe I'll remember once I get down there."

Now, with most questions surrounding the couple's death answered, attention has turned to the estate Hackman left behind, valued at millions, an accumulation of years of success in both Hollywood and literature.

However, the distribution of this fortune has sparked online debates, particularly concerning Hackman's three children, Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie, from his previous marriage to Faye Maltese.

According to the law, the findings of Hackman and Arakawa's deaths may influence the distribution of their estate, including their $3.8 million Santa Fe residence and other assets that sum up to about $80 million.

As a legal process unfolds, speculation continues about how Hackman's estate will be allocated and whether his children will ultimately inherit a share of his fortune.

Some social media users strongly believe that Hackman's children should not inherit his fortune, citing their alleged lack of involvement in his later years.

One person was adamant, saying, "Well, I hope that fortune goes to anybody but his children! Sorry, I disliked my dad because of his wife, and I still called them once or twice a week to check on them.... This man was 95 with dementia for Gods [sic] sake! And you don't check in on him??? I hope the two remaining German shepherds get their fortune!!!"

Another netizen echoed this sentiment, "Kids should get nothing so long these people are gone and no once checked on them [sic]." One person expressed disbelief at the situation, "3 children? Nobody check [sic] on them daily? Sad."

Many people pointed to the lack of communication between Hackman and his children, "His kids didn't care to check on their father, but you best believe they'll find plenty of time to get every single penny from him. IMO [sic], they don't deserve jack."

A comment with similar views read, "His children shouldn't get any of his money! A simple phone call to their dad, especially knowing the health conditions he had." One individual bluntly stated, "His two daughters are so devastated by his death, they didn't even know he had died for two weeks?? If only they had given him a call."

The debate continued online, with many convinced that Hackman's estate should go to someone, or something, other than his children. Under New Mexico law, if a couple passes away within 120 hours of each other, their deaths are classified as simultaneous.

This legal distinction could impact inheritance proceedings, particularly since Arakawa, who is from Hawaii, had no children of her own. Hackman's estate will likely be divided among beneficiaries other than Arakawa.

According to legal experts, estate laws in New Mexico generally require a person to outlive their spouse by at least five days to inherit under standard wills. Since Hackman survived Arakawa by a week, the estate's distribution will follow the terms outlined in his personal legal documents.

Details about Hackman and Arakawa's financial arrangements remain private. Hence, experts suggest that given Hackman's significant wealth and access to legal counsel, the couple likely had wills or trusts in place.

In many cases, estate plans mirror state laws, but some may establish different conditions for inheritance. It is common for married couples to leave everything to each other, but with Arakawa passing first, the primary question now is who Hackman designated as his beneficiaries.

John Budagher, an attorney specializing in estate law, noted that people often name their children as heirs but sometimes choose friends, caretakers, or even charitable organizations. "It's your money. You're allowed to give it to whomever you want, including a donkey sanctuary in Connecticut," he noted.

The timeline of Hackman's legal documents could also play a crucial role. If his will or trust was updated recently, especially given his battle with Alzheimer's, it may be subject to scrutiny.

Challenges could arise if significant changes were made in later years, particularly if assets were redirected to unexpected beneficiaries.

Other potential factors include the presence of any pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreements and whether Hackman's children or other parties will make claims to his estate.

While legal proceedings could begin soon, New Mexico law allows up to three years for probate cases to be filed, meaning the final resolution may take time.