Gene Hackman Dies at Home a Week After Wife Betsy Arakawa’s Hantavirus Death!
A Heart breaking Discovery
In a tragic turn of events, Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, 95, passed away from heart disease complicated by Alzheimer’s, just a week after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, died from a rare rodent-borne disease at their Santa Fe home. Their partially mummified bodies were discovered on February 26, 2025, when maintenance workers raised an alarm.
Unraveling the Mystery
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s office confirmed that Arakawa likely died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome on February 11, a rare and deadly virus contracted through rodent droppings. Gene Hackman, suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s disease, seemed unaware of his wife’s passing. Forensic experts believe his deteriorating health and heart disease contributed to his death around February 18. His pacemaker’s last recorded sign of activity suggested an abnormal heartbeat on that day.
Compounding Tragedy
Arakawa’s death shocked the local community. She had run errands on February 11, including a visit to the pharmacy, before returning to their gated neighborhood. After that day, she stopped responding to emails, and no further communications were found on their cell phones. Hackman, found in the home’s entryway, was unable to care for himself or his wife in their final days, likely due to his Alzheimer’s.
The Virus and Its Effects
Hantavirus, typically found in the spring and summer months, can cause severe lung infections and is more common in the western U.S. Although it’s deadly to humans, it does not affect dogs, and one of the couple’s three dogs, Zinna, was found dead near Arakawa.
Legacy of Gene Hackman
Gene Hackman, an iconic actor known for his roles in The French Connection and Hoosiers, retired from Hollywood in the early 2000s. In his later years, he focused on painting and writing. The deaths of Hackman and Arakawa have deeply saddened the Santa Fe community, especially those who knew them personally.
The Investigation Continues
The investigation remains open as authorities await results from a dog necropsy and a review of the couple’s cell phones.
