Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy, 's recent deaths have sparked intense public interest and concern over their final arrangements.
According to PEOPLE, the Hackmans' names have been taken off New Mexico's Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI) website's list of "unclaimed decedents" as of Friday morning, after previously being listed there on Thursday evening.
The removal comes amid growing questions about the handling of the couple's remains, with the OMI defining unclaimed decedents as identified individuals whose next of kin have not been located. A representative from the medical examiner's office has emphasized that appearance on this list doesn't necessarily indicate abandonment, as they are often in communication with legal next of kin while arrangements are being made.
The bodies of Gene, 95, and Betsy, 65, were found alongside their deceased kelpie mix dog Zinna at their Santa Fe Summit residence on February 26. The discovery sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and local community.
Initial investigations revealed a heartbreaking sequence of events, with Betsy succumbing to hantavirus, a severe flu-like illness connected to rodent droppings. Gene passed away approximately a week later, with multiple factors contributing to his death.
The acclaimed actor's cause of death was attributed to a combination of severe heart disease, high blood pressure, and advanced Alzheimer's disease. Their beloved pet Zinna reportedly died from dehydration and starvation.
The couple had maintained a notably private lifestyle following Gene's retirement from acting, with their last public sighting occurring nearly a year before their deaths.
Their final photographed moment together was during a casual lunch outing at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Santa Fe on March 28, 2024. Observers noted Gene holding onto Betsy's arm during this rare public appearance.
The couple's commitment to privacy extended to their final arrangements, with Gene's representatives declining to comment on the current situation.
The removal of the Hackmans' names from the unclaimed decedents list represents a significant development in the handling of their remains. However, specific details about the current arrangements remain private.
The medical examiner's office has maintained discretion regarding whether family members have claimed the bodies, respecting the privacy of the grieving relatives.
This situation has highlighted the delicate balance between public interest in celebrated figures and the need to protect family privacy during times of loss.
Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy's passing has drawn attention to the complexities surrounding end-of-life arrangements, even for prominent public figures. The couple's deaths at their Santa Fe Summit home in February 2025 revealed a tragic sequence of events, with Betsy succumbing to hantavirus and Gene following shortly after due to multiple health complications. Their names' removal from New Mexico's unclaimed decedents list suggests progress in their final arrangements, though specific details remain private as family and officials continue to handle the sensitive matter with discretion.
