Authorities investigating the tragic deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have released body camera footage revealing details of the investigation. The video, captured by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, shows officers searching the couple’s home in northern New Mexico, with a German shepherd present on the property. The bodies of Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were found in separate rooms, with the dog found alive and seemingly protecting Arakawa.

Further investigations uncovered rat nests and dead rodents in outbuildings around the property, leading to a report revealing Arakawa’s research on flu-like symptoms, COVID-19, and breathing techniques prior to her death. It was determined that Arakawa succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare infectious disease, while Hackman, who had advanced Alzheimer’s, passed away from heart disease shortly after. The investigation also unveiled Arakawa’s research activities related to COVID-19 and flu in the days leading up to her death.

Gene Hackman, a decorated actor known for his versatile roles in over 80 films, including iconic performances in The French Connection and Unforgiven, retired from acting after his final film, Welcome To Mooseport. He and Arakawa, a talented pianist, had been together since the mid-1980s. The investigation continues, with authorities exploring the potential link between rodents and the hantavirus disease that claimed Arakawa’s life. This tragic incident marks the first confirmed case of hantavirus in New Mexico this year, shedding light on the rare respiratory disease caused by hantaviruses carried by rodents.