Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa’s death timeline updated after new evidence

New York Post - Mar 18th, 2025

The death timeline of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa has been updated following new revelations. Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza announced that Arakawa's death date has been changed from February 11 to February 12 after her doctor, Dr. Josiah Child, disclosed receiving a call from her on February 12. This new information suggests Arakawa might have been seeking medical advice on the day previously thought to be after her death. Arakawa's cause of death was listed as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease spread by rodents, and she was last seen publicly on February 11. The couple's bodies were discovered in their New Mexico home on February 26, with Hackman believed to have died on February 18.

The revelation raises questions about the timeline and circumstances surrounding Arakawa's death. Dr. Child's confirmation that Arakawa contacted him for an echocardiogram for Hackman further complicates the narrative. The case has garnered significant attention, with a Santa Fe judge issuing a temporary restraining order on the release of the couple's photos ahead of a hearing. The financial implications of Hackman's $80 million fortune add another layer of interest, as his children are likely to inherit the estate. This development highlights issues of medical attention accessibility and the complex nature of intertwining personal and public narratives in high-profile deaths.

New Mexico Gene Hackman Betsy Arakawa Alzheimer's Disease Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza Dr. Josiah Child Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome Inheritance

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

5.6

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article presents a timely and engaging story about the revised timeline of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's deaths, involving notable public figures and potential legal implications. While it provides a clear narrative and engages readers with its intriguing subject matter, the story's accuracy is somewhat compromised by a lack of direct citations from official records and diverse perspectives. The reliance on a limited number of sources and the absence of detailed explanations of the investigative process affect the transparency and source quality. Despite these weaknesses, the article maintains clarity and readability, making it accessible to a general audience. The story could benefit from a more balanced representation of viewpoints and a deeper exploration of the broader implications for public interest and policy discussions.

Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims that require verification, such as the revised timeline of Betsy Arakawa's death and the cause of death being listed as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The claim about Arakawa contacting Cloudberry on February 12 and the subsequent medical opinions need official medical and legal confirmation. Additionally, the narrative around Gene Hackman's death and the discovery of their bodies also requires corroboration from police reports and medical records. While the story provides specific dates and details, the lack of direct citations from official documents or statements weakens its accuracy.

Balance

The article predominantly presents the perspective of law enforcement and medical professionals involved in the case, such as Sheriff Adan Mendoza and Dr. Josiah Child. However, it lacks input from family members or legal experts who might provide additional context or counterpoints regarding the estate and the implications of the revised death timeline. This imbalance may lead to a skewed understanding of the situation, as it doesn't fully explore the potential legal and personal ramifications for the surviving family members.

Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, presenting the information in a logical sequence. It effectively outlines the timeline of events and the key individuals involved. However, the narrative could be improved by providing more context and background information to help readers understand the significance of the revised timeline and its implications. The tone remains neutral, which aids in maintaining clarity.

Source quality

The story references sources like Sheriff Adan Mendoza, Dr. Josiah Child, and Cloudberry, a healthcare concierge company, which adds some credibility. However, the reliance on a single media outlet, the Daily Mail, for Dr. Child's statements, raises concerns about the diversity and reliability of the sources. The story would benefit from corroboration through additional reputable sources or official records to strengthen its credibility.

Transparency

The article does not provide sufficient transparency regarding the basis of its claims. While it mentions statements from specific individuals, it does not clarify the methodology used to verify these claims or the potential conflicts of interest that might affect the reporting. The lack of direct links to official documents or detailed explanations of the investigative process diminishes the transparency of the article.