Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa death timeline in turmoil, after call records suggest she was alive

New cellphone records show Betsy Arakawa made calls after her suspected death, changing the timeline for both deaths.

Authorities have uncovered new details in the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, which has altered the timeline of events surrounding their deaths.

Cellphone records revealed that Arakawa made three calls to Cloudberry Health, a private medical clinic in Santa Fe, on the morning of February 12—one day after the previously estimated time of her death.

The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator had earlier reported that Arakawa likely passed away on February 11, with Hackman’s death occurring a week later on February 18. However, the newly discovered phone records suggest Arakawa was alive at least until February 12. Authorities confirmed that Arakawa missed a return call from the clinic that afternoon, further complicating the timeline.

Additionally, Arakawa had communicated with a massage therapist, visited local stores, and returned home on February 11 around 5:15 p.m., according to authorities. It was reported that Arakawa had scheduled an appointment at the clinic for February 12 but canceled it on February 10 to care for Hackman, who had been dealing with health issues.

Hackman’s official cause of death has been confirmed as heart disease, with complications from Alzheimer’s disease, while Arakawa is believed to have died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare, rodent-borne disease. Both were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26. Their surviving dogs, Bear and Nikita, were found unharmed, while a third dog, Zinna, was discovered dead from dehydration and starvation.

A temporary restraining order was granted by a New Mexico court to prevent the release of certain records related to the investigation, including photographs and autopsy reports, following a request by the couple’s estate representative.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities continuing to review all available information to determine the exact timeline and circumstances surrounding the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa.