Written by Kathy Wheatley on
 March 19, 2025

New doubts arise in gene hackman case after phone data release

Emerging cell phone data casts serious doubts about the timeline and circumstances surrounding the deaths of Betsy Arakawa and her husband, actor Gene Hackman.

In recently released phone records, activity from Betsy Arakawa's cell on February 12 challenges the official date of her death and prompts a re-evaluation of her supposed cause of death, the Daily Mail reported.

A post-mortem initially claimed that Betsy Arakawa died from hantavirus on February 11, but her recorded activities suggest she might have still been alive the following day. These findings have sparked a complex investigation into the true circumstances surrounding her passing and subsequently, that of her husband, Gene Hackman, who died a week later due to heart failure complicated by Alzheimer's disease.

Investigation Highlights Inconsistencies in Death Report

The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office, utilizing Betsy Arakawa's cell phone data, discovered she made several calls on February 12. This contradicts the official death date recorded by the medical examiner. The cell phone records indicated communications and several outgoing calls to Cloudberry Health, a personalized concierge medical practice.

Cloudberry Health, which had been in regular contact with Arakawa, reported she did not receive medical treatment from them around the time of her reported death. Dr. Josiah Child, who runs Cloudberry Health, mentioned that Arakawa had canceled an appointment initially scheduled for February 12 due to her husband's deteriorating health. This appointment was reportedly for a non-respiratory issue.

Dr. Child further clarified Arakawa's health status in the days leading up to her supposed death, noting that while she expressed concerns about congestion during a call on February 12, she showed no signs of respiratory distress, which would be typical in hantavirus cases.

New Findings Raise Questions About Hantavirus Diagnosis

An LA-based doctor specializing in infectious diseases questioned the hantavirus diagnosis, arguing that respiratory failure associated with the virus tends to worsen over several days, typically necessitating hospital admission. It's considered highly unusual for a person, particularly a healthy individual like Arakawa, aged 65, to succumb suddenly to this disease without prior significant symptoms.

"Respiratory failure is not sudden – it is something that worsens over several days. Most people get admitted to the ER [emergency room] because they are having trouble breathing. It's exceedingly rare for a seemingly healthy 65-year-old to drop dead of it. No one's heard of such a thing," stated the LA-based doctor.

This skepticism is compounded by Dr. Child's observations and the physical activities Arakawa reportedly engaged in on February 11, one day before her alleged death. Records and witness accounts indicate she visited a grocery store, pharmacy, and pet store, and also communicated with a massage therapist, without displaying severe health issues.

Implications of Discrepancies for Hackman Estate

The timing and cause of Betsy Arakawa's death could potentially impact the management of the Hackman estate, valued at $80 million and currently tied up in a private trust. As investigations continue, the redistribution and management of this estate may hinge significantly on the results.

Additionally, the death of Gene Hackman, who passed away a week after his wife due to heart failure and complications from Alzheimer's, is also under scrutinized examination. Hackman's pacemaker confirmed his death on February 18, aligning with the onset of significant health decline noted by his medical team.

A troubling finding amid these investigations is the report of one of their dogs dying from starvation and dehydration, suggesting a potential oversight or neglect near the time of the couple's deaths.

As the community and fans of the late actor seek clarity, the unfolding facts suggest a complex interplay of medical, legal, and personal elements that may reshape the narrative of the couple's final days. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office continues to delve deeper into the medical records and personal communications of Betsy Arakawa, seeking answers in a case growing more intricate by the day.

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About Kathy Wheatley

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