• Betsy Arakawa researched symptoms of flu and COVID-19 days before her death.
• She died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease transmitted by rodents.
• Gene Hackman passed away a week later, with Alzheimer's contributing to his health decline.

Authorities in New Mexico released investigation records detailing the last days of Betsy Arakawa, revealing that she actively researched flu and COVID-19 symptoms online before her death from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The records show that Arakawa, 65, had searched phrases such as “can COVID cause dizziness?” and “flu and nosebleeds” between February 8 and February 12, 2025, just before her untimely demise, according to HuffPost.

Documents revealed that on February 11, Arakawa emailed her massage therapist to cancel an appointment, citing that her husband, the actor Gene Hackman, was exhibiting flu-like symptoms but had tested negative for COVID-19. The following day, she ordered oxygen canisters from Amazon, indicating her growing concern for respiratory issues, reports BBC.

Investigators also found that Arakawa had attempted to contact a concierge medical service on February 12, although the connection lasted less than two minutes and was followed by a missed return call later that afternoon. Authorities described her search history as concerning, highlighting a sense of urgency surrounding her health, according to NPR.

On February 26, maintenance workers discovered the partially mummified remains of both Arakawa and Hackman in their Santa Fe home. They believe Hackman, 95, succumbed to heart disease complicated by Alzheimer's disease shortly after his wife, reflecting a profound couple's bond amid their health struggles. Investigators noted the lack of any signs of forced entry into the home, suggesting a tragic but private conclusion to their lives together, according to India Times.

The couple's dogs were also a point of concern; one was found deceased, having died from dehydration and starvation while they awaited help. Furthermore, an environmental assessment revealed rodent feces in outbuildings but no evidence of rodent activity inside the home, indicating that while hantavirus infection was a real concern, the couple attempted to maintain a clear living area, as reported by Channel News Asia.

This investigation has revealed the extent to which Betsy Arakawa was seeking answers in the face of her own health challenges. The release of these records came after a court ordered their disclosure despite prior efforts by the Hackman estate to maintain privacy, reflecting both legal and ethical dilemmas in cases involving public figures, according to CBS News.