- Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman dies at 95, heart disease cited as cause.
- Wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome days earlier.
- Hackman may not have known of Arakawa’s death due to advanced Alzheimer’s.
- Couple found dead on February 26 in their Santa Fe home.
- Hantavirus, a rare disease, is spread through deer mice in New Mexico.
Gene Hackman, the legendary Oscar-winning actor, passed away on February 26 at the age of 95, just days after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from a rare disease caused by deer mice. According to autopsy results released Friday, Hackman’s death was attributed to heart disease, while Arakawa, 64, succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
The couple’s bodies were discovered separately in their Santa Fe home by a caretaker who found Hackman in the kitchen and Arakawa in a bathroom. One of their dogs was also found nearby. Authorities stated that both Hackman and Arakawa appeared to have fallen suddenly to the floor, but neither showed signs of trauma.
A Devastating Loss for the Art Community
Hackman and Arakawa, who had called Santa Fe home since the 1980s, were well-known for their involvement in the local art and culinary scenes. However, in recent years, their public appearances had become rare due to Hackman’s declining health. The couple had lived a private life before their untimely deaths.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza reported that Hackman’s heart disease was a contributing factor to his death, with the actor also battling advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Hackman’s health had significantly deteriorated in the last few years, and the progression of Alzheimer’s was apparent.
“I would assume that Hackman was likely unaware of his wife’s death,” Sheriff Mendoza told reporters during a press conference. “It’s quite possible he could not comprehend that she had passed away.”
Heather Jarrell, the Chief Medical Investigator for the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, further confirmed that Hackman’s Alzheimer’s might have hindered his ability to grasp Arakawa’s death.
The Tragic Timeline of Events
Arakawa’s death was believed to have occurred around February 11, with the date confirmed by the last email she sent. Hackman’s pacemaker data, retrieved by pathologists, indicated that his last heartbeat was recorded on February 17, making it likely the actor died shortly thereafter.
While Hackman’s cause of death was heart disease, Arakawa’s was traced to hantavirus, a rare and deadly disease spread primarily through the droppings and urine of deer mice. This illness is known to cause severe respiratory distress and is found in certain regions of the U.S., especially New Mexico, where the couple lived.
Hantavirus is primarily transmitted when people breathe in contaminated dust, which can happen when cleaning spaces where infected mice have lived.
Hackman’s Legendary Career
Hackman was a giant in Hollywood, known for his distinctive raspy voice and unforgettable performances. His career spanned over six decades, with his breakout role in Bonnie and Clyde (1967) earning him his first Oscar nomination.
He won an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1972 for his portrayal of Detective Popeye Doyle in The French Connection. Later, in 1993, he won another Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven.
Over the course of his career, Hackman appeared in more than 80 films and earned a reputation as one of the industry’s most talented and versatile actors. His legacy as a screen icon is solidified by his remarkable body of work.
Hantavirus in the U.S.
Hantavirus is a rare but serious illness that can lead to severe respiratory failure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most cases are reported in the western U.S., with New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah being particularly affected. In northern New Mexico, where Hackman and Arakawa resided, hantavirus is commonly spread by the deer mouse.
Though cases of hantavirus are uncommon, they remain a significant concern in areas where deer mice are prevalent. The virus is transmitted through aerosolized particles, meaning that people cleaning or disturbing areas contaminated by infected mice are most at risk.
Closing Thoughts
Gene Hackman’s death, following the tragic passing of his wife, has left the community mourning not only the loss of an iconic actor but also a deeply involved local figure. The details surrounding their deaths add an unexpected layer of sadness to an already devastating loss.
The legacy of Hackman’s brilliant career will continue to inspire future generations, while the rare disease that claimed Arakawa’s life serves as a reminder of the unseen dangers that can strike in the most quiet and unassuming ways.