ACTOR Gene Hackman's wife Betsy Arakawa researched COVID-19 symptoms on the internet days before her tragic death, it has been revealed.
Arakawa, 65, died at the couple's remote Santa Fe mansion in February from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease linked to rodents.
The disease could include flu-like symptoms and severe respiratory distress like COVID-19.
Hackman, 95, died roughly a week after his wife of 34 years from heart disease.
He also had advanced Alzheimer's disease, which was a contributing factor to his death and could explain why did not notice his wife had died.
The two were found alongside their dog who had likely died of dehydration and starvation on February 26 by maintenance and security workers.
On February 8 and February 12, Arakawa's computer showed searches about COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms, according to newly released records.
She asked the internet whether COVID-19 could cause dizziness or nosebleeds.
Her last internet search was on the morning of February 12.
She was looking for a health care provider in her city.
Arakawa also said in an email to her masseuse that Hackman woke up with flu or cold-like symptoms on February 11.
She said that her husband tested negative for COVID-19 but that she would have to reschedule her appointment "out of an abundance of caution."
RODENT INFESTATION
New details about the rodent infestation at the couple's $3.8 million estate have come to light.
A live rodent, a dead rodent and an entire nest were found in the three detached garages on the property, the New Mexico medical investigator's office said.
There was also rodent droppings in the three garages, two casitas and three sheds.
Live traps were also found in the outbuildings on their estate.
Gene Hackman's family's full statement
Gene Hackman's family has spoken out on the actor's death after he was found dead with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, in their Santa Fe home.
Hackman's daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, and his granddaughter, Annie, released the statement.
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy," Elizabeth, Leslie, and Annie Hackman said.
"He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa.
"We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss."
'DEVASTATED BY THE LOSS'
Following Hackman and Arakawa's death, the star's daughters – Elizabeth, Leslie, and Annie Hackman – paid tribute to their father.
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy," they said.
"He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa.
"We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss."
Hackman rose to fame with his 1967 role as Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde.
He went on to play Lex Luthor in the Superman movies and appeared in hit films like Mississippi Burning, Unforgiven, Crimson Tide, and The Poseidon Adventure.
Hackman won two Oscars and three Golden Globe awards.
Arakawa was also talented at the arts – she was a classical pianist.
Experts theorize that Arakawa could have been infected with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome by cleaning those areas of the property.
Meanwhile, Hackman had no food in his stomach when he died but he showed no signs of dehydration.
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