ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. On Tuesday, authorities released a significant amount of documentation related to the tragic deaths of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. These records include a comprehensive investigation report that sheds light on the last communications made by Arakawa, indicating her proactive search for information regarding various health symptoms just days before her untimely passing.

Betsy Arakawa succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in February, a rare yet potentially fatal disease transmitted by rodents. This condition presents a spectrum of symptoms that can mimic those of the flu, including severe respiratory distress, headaches, fever, and dizziness. In contrast, Gene Hackman, 95, is believed to have died approximately one week later due to heart disease, which was complicated by underlying Alzheimers disease.

The couples remains were discovered in their Santa Fe residence on February 26 by maintenance and security personnel who subsequently contacted the police. The investigation has been particularly sensitive, leading to a court order that allowed the release of numerous records while prohibiting the public dissemination of any graphic images of the deceased.

Authorities disclosed a variety of materials including photos, video footage, and detailed reports. Interestingly, an examination of Arakawas computer revealed that from February 8 to the morning of February 12, she was actively searching for medical information related to flu-like symptoms, COVID-19, and various breathing techniques. Her inquiries included concerns about whether COVID-19 could trigger symptoms like dizziness and nosebleeds.

In an email to her massage therapist, Arakawa mentioned that Hackman had experienced flu-like symptoms on February 11, but their COVID-19 test had returned negative results. Out of caution, she decided to reschedule her massage appointment.

On the morning of February 12, Arakawas search history also included a query for a concierge medical service in Santa Fe. Investigators later found that she had placed a call to the service, which lasted under two minutes, but she missed a return call from them later that same day.

As part of their investigation, authorities reviewed call logs for the couple's home phone, along with voicemails and security footage from various stores that Arakawa visited on February 11. The redacted police body camera footage displayed the investigators as they meticulously examined the interior of the home, aiming to piece together the circumstances surrounding the couple's deaths.

Remarkably, amidst the investigation, officers discovered one of the couples dogs in a bathroom near Arakawa's body, while Hackman was found deceased on the opposite side of the residence. The police noted the separation of the couples locations: Two totally separate areas of the house, one officer remarked, to which another replied, Mhm, its strange.

The officers, being cautious about the possibility of a gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning, opened windows and doors throughout the house. Subsequent tests confirmed that there were no gas leaks present.

The footage revealed a home that appeared undisturbed, with no signs of forced entry, as the couple's art collection was still prominently displayed around the living space. Investigators were observed counting cash found within the home and noting the presence of prescription medications on the bathroom counter, all while one of the couples dogs barked in the background.

In an environmental health assessment of the property conducted by state officials, rodent droppings were discovered in several outbuildings, along with live traps. However, there was no indication of rodent activity within the main house itself. Set against the backdrop of pion and juniper hills that characterize the Santa Fe area, the Hackman residence is not uncommon in facing such pest issues, as mice are frequently encountered in the surrounding environment.

Sadly, one of the couples dogs was found deceased in a crate located in a bathroom closet adjoining Arakawas location, with dehydration and starvation cited as the cause of death by a state veterinary laboratory. Fortunately, two other dogs were located alive within the home.

During a recent court hearing, Kurt Sommer, an attorney representing the Hackman estate, advocated for the couples right to privacy even in death, emphasizing that they had made considerable efforts to remain out of the public eye throughout their lives. Sommer argued that this right should extend to the couple's estate, ensuring that their names and likenesses are protected posthumously.

In contrast, major news outlets, including the Associated Press, CBS News, and CBS Studios, intervened in the legal proceedings, asserting that while they would not publish images of the couples remains, they intended to obscure any such images in other records to respect the family's privacy.