Recently released bodycam footage has shed light on the final, distressing hours of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa. The couple was found deceased in their Santa Fe home in February 2025, with Betsy, aged 65, succumbing to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe illness transmitted by rodent droppings, while Gene, 95, passed away a week later due to heart disease and advanced Alzheimer's disease. Disturbing details emerged that indicated Betsy was grappling with her symptoms in a frantic last-ditch effort to find help, mistaking them for COVID-19 symptoms.

The bodycam footage showed the police responding to a welfare check at the couple's home, revealing alarming insights into Betsy's state. Officers discovered a trove of frantic Google searches on her laptop, showcasing her desperation as she sought answers to her rapidly deteriorating health. However, time was not on her side; the symptoms associated with hantavirus can escalate quickly, often leading to severe complications or death if not treated promptly.

The circumstances surrounding their deaths have not only saddened their fans but also sparked discussions about the dangers of hantavirus and its often-misunderstood symptoms. This tragic event raises awareness on the necessity for timely medical consultation when unusual symptoms arise, as Betsy's story poignantly illustrates the serious nature of misdiagnosing potentially life-threatening conditions in the face of emerging health crises like COVID-19.