Investigation Reveals Betsy Arakawa's Research Into Illness Symptoms Prior to Her Passing

On Tuesday, officials made public an extensive report from their investigation, which highlighted the final emails, phone conversations, and web searches conducted by Betsy Arakawa leading up to her death. This information paints a picture of her quest for knowledge about symptoms reminiscent of the flu and respiratory exercises.

Betsy Arakawa passed away in February due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease transmitted by rodents that manifests with flu-like symptoms, headaches, dizziness, and serious breathing challenges. Authorities believe Gene Hackman, her husband, died roughly a week later from heart disease exacerbated by Alzheimer’s complications.

Documents released indicate that between February 8 and February 12, Arakawa vigorously explored medical topics pertaining to COVID-19 and related viral symptoms. She searched online for clues about COVID potentially causing dizziness or nosebleeds.

Among her correspondences, she explained to her masseuse that Hackman awoke on February 11 with symptoms akin to a cold or flu. Despite a negative COVID test result for him, she opted to delay her massage appointment "as an extra precaution."

Arakawa queried about concierge medical assistance in Santa Fe on the morning of February 12. Investigators reviewed her phone activity and found she engaged in a brief call with the medical service and later missed their callback on the same day.

Earlier this month, legal barriers were removed, allowing the release of detailed documents from the investigation of the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa, provided that depictions of the deceased were obscured.

Bodycam footage made available by the authorities on Tuesday depicted law enforcement's examination of the couple's residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 26. The search ended with the discovery of Hackman and Arakawa's partially preserved remains after maintenance personnel raised the alarm. A German shepherd was found near Arakawa’s body, seemingly on guard, as observed by an officer.

Investigators working to unravel the circumstances surrounding the couple's demise explored the entire house. Hackman was found dead in a different section of the property.

One officer noted, "The bodies are located at two entirely distinct parts of the home."

Upon initial discovery, officers suspected a gas leak and began ventilation procedures. Subsequent screenings confirmed there were no such leaks.

Another video clip captured the investigators sifting through the house to locate the couple's identification documents.

The investigation also extended to calling records from the Hackmans' home line and scrutinized store surveillance footage from Arakawa's visits on February 11.

Video evidence reveals no signs of disorder or forced access inside the residence, with the couple's art collection intact. Meanwhile, investigators also inspected cash found throughout the house, and reviewed prescriptions laid out in the bathroom, amidst barking from one of their dogs.

A court injunction had temporarily halted the dissemination of all images, footage, and related files, as representatives for the Hackman estate sought to uphold privacy rights enjoyed by the family.

A health report from New Mexico's health department identified rodent droppings in various external structures on the Hackman premises, though inside, it was clean with no rodent evidence.

The Hackman residence, surrounded by piñon and juniper wildlife typical of the Santa Fe terrain, sits where mice are part of the natural ecosystem.

Hantavirus cases are scarce, yet as noted by New Mexico's leading medical investigator, Dr. Heather Jarrell, the local strain carries a high mortality rate of approximately 38-50%.

A dog was found deceased from dehydration and starvation in proximity to Arakawa, while two others were discovered alive. This was determined in a state veterinary lab examination.

An attorney representing the couple's affairs, Kurt Sommer, highlighted in court that both Hackman and Arakawa diligently avoided the limelight, advocating that their privacy rights be extended posthumously to their estate.

News entities, including The Associated Press, CBS News, and CBS Studios, interceded in the case, ensuring to prevent public distribution of images of the deceased, opting to obscure any such visuals.