Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, died from heart disease and other complications, just days after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, lost her life to a rare virus. An autopsy report released on Friday in New Mexico confirmed that Hackman had reached an advanced stage of Alzheimer’s before his death.
Authorities discovered the couple and one of their dogs dead on February 26 in separate rooms of their Santa Fe home. Investigators determined that Hackman died from heart disease, while Arakawa, 64, succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare illness spread by mice.
During a press conference at the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that Hackman’s Alzheimer’s likely prevented him from recognizing his wife’s passing. When a reporter asked if Hackman had been aware of Arakawa’s death, Mendoza responded, “I would assume that is the case.”
Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Investigator at New Mexico Office of Medical Investigator, confirmed that Hackman’s condition may have left him unaware of his wife’s death. “He had reached an advanced state of Alzheimer’s, and it is quite possible he did not know she was deceased,” Jarrell explained.
Authorities estimated that Arakawa died around February 11, based on her last email activity. They determined Hackman’s death occurred on February 18, using pacemaker data.
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Fatal Disease Caused Arakawa’s Death
Hantavirus, disease that caused Arakawa’s death, remains uncommon in U.S., with most cases appearing in western states such as New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. In northern New Mexico, deer mice serve as primary carriers of the virus. The disease spreads when people inhale airborne particles contaminated with rodent droppings and urine.
Hantavirus symptoms initially mimic the flu but can quickly progress to severe respiratory and cardiac failure. Fatality rate ranges from 38% to 50%, making it a serious health threat in affected regions.
New Mexico reports one to seven hantavirus cases annually. Health inspectors found no signs of rodents inside the couple’s home, but Erin Phipps, New Mexico’s State Veterinarian, confirmed rodent activity in external structures on property.
Hackman, celebrated for his legendary performances in films such as French Connection and Unforgiven, largely withdrew from public eye in recent years. His death, along with Arakawa’s, marks sorrowful end of their long and private life together.