New surveillance footage offers a detailed look at the final public activities of Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman, in the days leading up to their deaths. The footage shows Arakawa engaged in routine errands, seemingly unaware of the impending circumstances that would later lead to the discovery of both her and Hackman deceased in their New Mexico home. The circumstances surrounding their deaths, particularly Arakawa's reported health concerns, are central to understanding this period.

A Glimpse into Arakawa's Last Known Movements
Surveillance recordings capture Betsy Arakawa on February 11, a day before authorities believe she passed away. The footage shows her visiting a Sprouts Grocery Market in Santa Fe around 4:00 PM, where she used a self-checkout to purchase essential items. Following this, she proceeded to Shine Pet Food to collect supplies for her dogs. These movements are documented while Arakawa was wearing blue jeans, a dark coat, and a face mask.
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One report notes that Arakawaโs demeanor in this footage appeared calm, with no evident signs of distress.
The footage is presented as a visual record of her last known public moments before her death.
Health Concerns and Communication
In the period before her death, Arakawa expressed concerns about her health, believing she might have contracted COVID-19. However, she had reportedly received negative test results for the virus.

An email sent by Arakawa to her masseuse on February 11 is cited as one of her final communications. In this email, she mentioned her suspected COVID symptoms despite negative tests.
She also communicated that Gene Hackman was experiencing flu-like symptoms, which also tested negative.
Reports mention that Arakawa was concerned about symptoms like nosebleeds, which are less common with COVID-19.
The Discovery and Circumstances of Death
Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman were found deceased at their Santa Fe home on February 26.

Authorities estimate Arakawa died on February 12, with Gene Hackman passing approximately six days later.
Their remains were not discovered for several weeks after their deaths.
The couple's pet dog, a kelpie mix named Zinna, was found to have died from starvation and dehydration after being trapped in a cage.
Investigators suggested that due to Gene Hackman's advanced Alzheimer's, he may not have realized his wife had passed away.
The discovery of the couple's bodies was reportedly prompted by a worried call from a maintenance worker.
Handwritten notes between Gene and Betsy were found at the scene.
Conflicting Timelines and Interpretations
While a general timeline emerges from the reports, specific dates and interpretations of events show minor variations.
| Event/Detail | Article 1 | Article 2 | Article 3 | Article 4 | Article 5 | Article 6 | Article 7 | Article 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date of Arakawa's Shopping | Feb 11 | Not Specified | Not Specified | Not Specified | Not Specified | Not Specified | Feb 11 | Feb 11 |
| Estimated Date of Arakawa's Death | Feb 11/12 | Not Specified | Feb 12 | Feb 11/12 | Feb 12 | Not Specified | Feb 11/12 | Feb 11/12 |
| Estimated Date of Hackman's Death | Approx. 6 days after Arakawa | Not Specified | Approx. 6 days after Arakawa | Not Specified | Approx. 6 days after Arakawa | Pacemaker signal Feb 18 | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| Date Bodies Discovered | Not Specified | Feb 26 | Weeks after death | Feb 26 | Weeks after death | Not Specified | Not Specified | Feb |
| Reason for Arakawa's Concern | Not Specified | Suspected COVID symptoms | Not Specified | Suspected COVID symptoms | Not Specified | Not Specified | Not Specified | Suspected COVID symptoms |
| Arakawa's Last Known Communication | Email to masseuse | Email to masseuse | Not Specified | Email to masseuse | Not Specified | Missed call from clinic (Feb 18) | Not Specified | Not Specified |
Article 6 mentions Gene Hackman's pacemaker registering its final signal on February 18, and a missed call from a clinic to Arakawa's phone later that afternoon, identified as her last known phone activity. This suggests a different timeline for Hackman's passing and the final events.
Dr. Child is quoted stating, "Hackman didnโt die on February 11 because she called my clinic on February 12," implying a confirmation of Arakawaโs activity on February 12, contradicting some assumptions of her death on that date.
Caregiving Role and Health Decline
Betsy Arakawa played a significant role as the primary caregiver for Gene Hackman, whose health had reportedly declined in his later years.
Her health concerns may have added to the complexities of managing Hackman's care.
The shared living environment and potential decline in both their healths are factors in the overall narrative.
Expert Analysis and Official Statements
Investigators are piecing together the events based on available evidence, including surveillance footage and communications.
Authorities have used the surveillance footage to confirm Arakawa's last public appearance, noting she seemed unaware of any impending issues.
The cause of death for both Arakawa and Hackman is not explicitly detailed in these reports, but the context points towards a natural decline compounded by their circumstances.
Conclusion and Ongoing Inquiry
The available footage and reports offer a somber look at Betsy Arakawa's final hours, depicting routine activities preceding the tragic discovery of her and Gene Hackman's deceased bodies. The narrative is colored by Arakawa's reported health concerns and her role as a caregiver. While the footage provides a visual timeline, the precise sequence of events, especially concerning the exact timing of their deaths and the underlying factors, continues to be understood through official investigations and the collation of evidence. The state of their remains and the discovery of their deceased dog highlight the unfortunate circumstances that unfolded over several weeks.
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Sources Used:
Express.co.uk: Details Betsy Arakawa's shopping trips on February 11, including visits to Sprouts Grocery Market and Shine Pet Food, captured on CCTV.๐ https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/2172893/gene-hackman-wifes-tragic-final
Mirror.co.uk: Reports on Betsy Arakawa's suspected COVID symptoms, negative test results, and an email to her masseuse on February 11. Mentions bodycam footage at the home.๐ https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/gene-hackmans-wifes-desperate-final-36745144
Dailymail.co.uk: Highlights surveillance footage of Betsy Arakawa's final public moments and provides estimated death dates (Arakawa on Feb 12, Hackman about six days later). Notes the discovery of their mummified bodies and the death of their dog.๐ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14622799/gene-hackman-wife-betsy-arakawa-surveillance-video.html
Irishstar.com: Discusses Betsy Arakawa's health fears, including suspected COVID symptoms and nosebleed concerns. Mentions bodycam footage and Hackman's flu-like symptoms. States the couple was found dead on February 26.๐ https://www.irishstar.com/culture/entertainment/gene-hackman-wife-last-days-35082573
The-news.com.pk: Reports on Betsy Arakawa being captured on surveillance footage in her final moments, appearing calm. Repeats estimated death dates (Arakawa on Feb 12, Hackman six days later) and the weeks-long delay before discovery. Notes Arakawa's caregiver role.๐ https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1302545-gene-hackmans-wife-betsy-arakawa-final-moments-caught-on-camera
Twentytwowords.com: Mentions surveillance cameras capturing Arakawa hours before her death. Introduces a different timeline detail: Gene Hackman's pacemaker registered its final signal on February 18, with a missed clinic call to Arakawa's phone later that day. Quotes Dr. Child regarding Hackman's death date.๐ https://twentytwowords.com/heartbreaking-new-surveillance-footage-shows-final-moments-of-gene-hackmans-wife-betsy-arakawa/
Mirror.co.uk (Celebrity News): Shows new CCTV footage of Betsy Arakawa shopping for groceries and dog food a day before her believed death. Mentions police arriving after a maintenance worker's call and the discovery of the couple and their dog.๐ https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/heartbreaking-gene-hackman-footage-reveals-35070333
Dailystar.co.uk: Focuses on footage of Betsy Arakawa's last hours on February 11, including her shopping at Sprouts and Shine Pet Food. Mentions handwritten notes found at the scene.๐ https://www.dailystar.co.uk/showbiz/gene-hackmans-wifes-final-hours-35070854