Gene Hackman, the esteemed actor, passed away at the age of 95 due to heart disease. Tragically, his death occurred shortly after the demise of his wife, Betsy Arakawa, aged 65, who succumbed to hantavirus. Authorities speculate that Hackman, who exhibited severe Alzheimer’s symptoms, might not have been aware of his wife’s death within their New Mexico residence.
Both deaths were deemed natural by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell. Hackman’s heart disease was complicated by Alzheimer’s, while Arakawa’s death was attributed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare yet potentially lethal illness spread through rodent droppings. Arakawa’s last recorded activities were on February 11, including visits to local establishments and accessing their gated community in Santa Fe. Hackman’s pacemaker indicated an irregular heart rhythm around February 18, which is believed to be his date of passing.
Authorities discovered Hackman in the entryway of their home, while Arakawa was found in a bathroom. Pills for thyroid medication, linked to Arakawa, were located nearby but deemed unrelated to her death. Personal items were collected from the scene, including a calendar and mobile phones. One of their dogs was discovered deceased alongside Arakawa, initially misidentified by the authorities. The investigation remains active, pending further analysis of cell phone data and a necropsy of the pet.
Hantavirus, often reported in the warmer months, emerges from exposure to rodent droppings in confined spaces such as sheds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that hantavirus can lead to severe, potentially fatal lung infections. Symptoms begin with fatigue and fever, progressing to respiratory distress as fluid accumulates in the lungs. This marks the initial hantavirus case in New Mexico for the year.
Gene Hackman rose to prominence in the film industry starting in 1961 with “Mad Dog Coll.” Among his memorable portrayals are roles in the “Superman” franchise as Lex Luthor and the beloved sports film “Hoosiers.” Hackman’s illustrious career includes five Oscar nominations, with wins for “The French Connection” in 1972 and “Unforgiven” in 1992. He retired from acting in the early 2000s.
Betsy Arakawa, born in December 1959 in Hawaii, spent her early years in Honolulu and showcased her talent as a pianist in youth concerts. She attended the University of Southern California and was active in cheerleading for a professional soccer team. Her career included a stint as a production assistant on the TV game show “Card Sharks.”
Arakawa relocated with Hackman to Santa Fe after meeting him at a California gym in the mid-1980s. Professionally, she held the position of vice president at a home decor store called Pandora’s, as per New Mexico business records.
The pair resided in a Pueblo revival home within a gated community that overlooks the scenic Rocky Mountains. This property, reflective of the regional architectural style, spans four bedrooms and approximately 8,700 square feet on 6 acres. Its valuation surpassed $4 million, according to local tax records. Known for its allure to artists and celebrities, the area was spotlighted in a 1990 Architectural Digest article. While Hackman enjoyed a rather private lifestyle during his later years, his interests extended to painting, deep-sea diving, and novel writing.