Gene Hackman and Wife's Tragic Deaths: Heart Disease and Hantavirus Confirmed

Hollywood legend Gene Hackman passed away due to hypertensive atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease playing a significant role, New Mexico officials confirmed. Hackman, known for his iconic roles and two Academy Awards, was found dead in his Santa Fe home on February 26. Investigators believe he passed around February 18, as indicated by his pacemaker's last recorded activity.

The heartbreak doubled when it was revealed that Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, had died roughly a week earlier, on February 11, due to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. This rare and deadly disease, transmitted via rodent excrement, is a grim reminder of its severity—New Mexico sees only 1 to 7 cases yearly, but about 42% are fatal.

Dr. Heather Jarrell, the Chief Medical Investigator, conducted Hackman’s autopsy and found evidence of severe heart disease, prior heart attacks, and chronic high blood pressure. Alzheimer’s had also advanced significantly, coupled with changes in his brain caused by long-term hypertension. She noted, poignantly, that Hackman likely wasn’t even aware of his wife’s death.

Authorities confirmed that Arakawa’s last known activities included errands around town on February 11. She returned home around 5:15 p.m., her final moments chronicled by surveillance cameras. Tragically, Hackman, in poor health and battling cognitive decline, was left to fend for himself after her death. "He was in a very poor state of health," said Dr. Jarrell, emphasizing his vulnerability.

Their shared grief even extended to one of their dogs, Zinna, found deceased in a crate at their home. Officials speculate the dog may have undergone a recent medical procedure, adding yet another layer to this sorrowful narrative.

Despite initial suspicions, investigators ruled out foul play. Carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, and other environmental factors were thoroughly examined and dismissed. A minor gas leak was detected at a stove burner, but it was deemed non-lethal. Authorities have since closed their criminal investigation into the couple's deaths.

Hantavirus, which claimed Arakawa’s life, is a sobering reminder of nature’s hidden dangers. Dr. Erin Phipps of the New Mexico Department of Health noted that the virus can incubate for one to eight weeks after exposure to infected rodent excrement, and its symptoms—flu-like at first—can escalate to respiratory failure. Over the last 50 years, New Mexico has recorded 136 cases, with Santa Fe County accounting for five of them.

Hackman and Arakawa were married for over 30 years, a partnership that endured until their final days. Their deaths serve as a poignant reminder of life's fragility and the profound impact of health challenges that often remain hidden behind closed doors.