**Title:** Body Camera Footage Released in Gene Hackman Investigation
**Meta Description:** Authorities release body camera footage as part of the investigation into the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
**URL Slug:** gene-hackman-investigation-body-camera-footage
**Headline:** Body Camera Footage Emerges in Investigation of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s Deaths
Authorities have released body camera footage related to the investigation into the tragic deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The footage, recorded by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, shows officers conducting a search of their home in northern New Mexico on February 26, where the couple was found deceased in separate rooms.
The video captures various moments, including a German shepherd barking as officers explore the property. One officer noted, “He’s guarding her,” referring to the dog that was found alive, while mentioning another deceased dog located in the kennel nearby.
In addition to the footage, a report has surfaced detailing some of Arakawa’s final emails and internet searches. These communications indicate that she was researching flu-like symptoms, COVID-19, and breathing techniques shortly before her passing. Notably, an email to a masseuse revealed that Hackman had exhibited cold-like symptoms on February 11, prompting Arakawa to reschedule an appointment “out of an abundance of caution.”
Investigators also discovered rat nests and dead rodents in several outbuildings on the property, although the interior of the home appeared clean and showed no signs of rodent activity. A medical investigator later determined that Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease linked to rodent exposure. Hackman, who was 95 and suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s disease, passed away from heart disease about a week later, with his pacemaker data last recorded on February 18.
The investigation revealed that Arakawa was actively researching medical conditions related to COVID-19 and flu symptoms between February 8 and the morning of February 12. On the morning of her death, she searched for a medical concierge service in Santa Fe, but a call to the service lasted under two minutes, and a follow-up call was missed later that day. The police footage confirmed that there were no signs of forced entry or other suspicious activity at the home.
**Conclusion:** The investigation into the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa continues as authorities piece together the events leading up to their tragic passing. The findings raise important questions about health and safety, particularly concerning hantavirus and its implications.
**FAQ Section:**
**What is hantavirus?**
Hantavirus is a respiratory disease caused by hantaviruses carried by various rodent species. It is rare in the U.S., with most cases occurring in the western states, including New Mexico and Arizona.