Rare Virus Took Gene Hackman’s Wife’s Life – What Is Known About It

| March 10, 2025 | Celebrity | No Comments

Officials disclosed the cause of death for the award-winning actor and his wife a week after they were found lifeless in their residence. They also released findings regarding their dog, which passed away alongside them.

A medical professional stated that the virus responsible for Betsy Arakawa’s death, Gene Hackman’s wife, is found worldwide and can be fatal within hours without medical intervention.

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman during PCC Celebrity Art Show on September 11, 1991, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

New Mexico officials recently confirmed the couple’s cause of death just days after they were found in their Santa Fe home on February 26, 2025.

Gene, 95, succumbed to heart disease, with Alzheimer’s playing a contributing role, while Arakawa, 65, died days earlier from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Authorities had been investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths since late February 2025.

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman during Celebrity Sports Invitational on November 29, 1991, in Rancho Mirage, California. | Source: Getty Images

They concluded that the couple had been deceased for some time before their discovery. During a press conference, Dr. Heather Jarrell indicated Gene’s pacemaker last recorded activity on February 18, 2025. He tested negative for hantavirus.

According to Jarrell, the veteran actor’s stomach was empty, suggesting he had not eaten shortly before his death. However, there were no signs of dehydration.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend the Mission Hills Celebrity Sports Invitational in Rancho Mirage, California, on November 30, 1991 | Source: Getty Images

Meanwhile, according to officials, his spouse Arakawa likely passed first, with February 11, 2025, being the last recorded time she was seen alive. Hantavirus symptoms begin with flu-like signs before fluid accumulates in the lungs, leading to death within 24 to 48 hours if untreated.

Jarrell explained, “It’s not uncommon to find someone down on the floor as part of a terminal collapse, so to speak, and that may very well have been what happened.” She suggested Gene’s advanced Alzheimer’s may have prevented him from realizing the classical pianist had died.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend the Toyota Pro-Celebrity Race in Long Beach, California, on April 4, 1987 | Source: Getty Images

During the press briefing, Jarrell noted that the Office of the Medical Investigator typically does not share details about death investigations but believed it was necessary to ensure accurate information was provided.

Meanwhile, health officials remain vigilant about public safety concerns, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe lung disease. Symptoms typically appear one to eight weeks after exposure, starting with fatigue, fever, and muscle aches.

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman attend the 65th annual Academy Awards at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, on March 29, 1993 | Source: Getty Images

Some experience headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, or abdominal pain. Within days, coughing and shortness of breath develop as fluid fills the lungs. The survival rate drops significantly once respiratory symptoms begin, with a fatality rate of 38%.

Hantaviruses are found all over the world and transmitted from rodents to humans. In New Mexico, deer mice are the primary carriers, though other rodents may also spread the virus, according to Dr. Erin Phipps.

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman during The 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 19, 2003 | Source: Getty Images

Infection occurs through contact with rodent droppings, especially in confined spaces, but U.S. strains do not spread between people.

The virus is dangerous, with 42% of New Mexico cases being fatal, Phipps noted. Most infections occur at home or work. Investigators found the couple’s main residence low risk but detected rodent activity in other structures.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend a premiere of “The Chamber” at the Academy Theater, Beverly Hills, California, on October 2, 1996 | Source: Getty Images

Officials found no signs of foul play or external trauma. Gene was in a mudroom near the kitchen, and Arakawa was in a bathroom with pills scattered on the counter.

Medications for blood pressure, thyroid issues, and Tylenol were found, but ownership was not disclosed due to privacy laws. One of the couple’s three dogs, Zinna, was found dead near Arakawa, while the other two survived.

Phipps stated that dogs cannot contract hantavirus and addressed questions during the press conference about whether Zinna had died from starvation, though the exact cause remains unknown.

“I don’t think we know the answer to that, but given the timelines presented, it is a possibility,” she stated. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza revealed that the Australian Kelpie was discovered in her crate, where the couple may have placed her while she recovered from a recent procedure.

Gene Hackman with Betsy Arakawa at the United Celebral Palsy of New York City’s 15th annual Champagne Stakes at Etoile restaurant in 2000 | Source: Getty Images

In the following days after discovering the deceased, officials ruled carbon monoxide poisoning. Forensic pathologist Dr. Victor Weedn, not involved in the case, said investigators had solved what first seemed like a national mystery.

Investigators found no signs of a caretaker in the home, leaving questions about whether anyone had been available to assist the couple.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend a Hollywood Foreign Press conference in California on November 11, 1992 | Source: Getty Images

Just days earlier, on February 9, Arakawa had picked up their dog, Zinna, from a veterinary hospital following a procedure.

Her last recorded activities took place on Feb. 11, when she emailed a massage therapist, shopped at a grocery store, and later visited a pharmacy and pet food store before arriving home at 5:15 p.m. Authorities believe she passed away that same day.

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman attend the Thalians Ball honoring Liza Minnelli at the Century Plaza Hotel in California on October 8, 1994 | Source: Getty Images

Meanwhile, Gene’s pacemaker recorded activity with irregular heart rhythms appearing on Feb. 18, which investigators determined was the probable date of his death.

On Feb. 26, a maintenance worker arrived for scheduled work but was unable to get inside. After notifying security, he spotted the couple’s bodies inside the home.

Arakawa was found in a bathroom, Gene near an entryway, and their deceased dog was discovered in a closet. The worker reported that he had last seen them about two weeks earlier.

Arakawa had retrieved her Kelpie mix, Zinna, from a veterinary hospital on Feb. 9 following a procedure, which could explain why the dog was later found dead.

Autopsies performed on Feb. 27 confirmed the couple had been deceased for some time. Preliminary results ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning and external injuries. On March 7, authorities officially concluded that both Gene and Arakawa died of natural causes.

As part of the investigation, authorities collected two cellphones and a monthly planner from the home, according to Sheriff Adan Mendoza.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa at Spago on September 5, 1988, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Despite determining the causes of death, police acknowledged that certain “loopholes” remain in the case. Investigators continue to analyze key evidence from the couple’s home, including whether Arakawa expressed any health concerns to loved ones before her passing.

Mendoza noted possible signs of illness before February 11, while there was no clear record of Gene communicating with anyone after that date.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa pictured on November 16, 2001, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

“We consider this an open investigation until we close the loopholes of the cellphones, until we finish out the necropsy results of the canine and the other loose ends that we need to tie up,” he said.

No surveillance cameras were found on the property. “I think everybody here understands that they were very private individuals and a very private family,” Mendoza added.

As investigators continued to examine lingering questions, Gene and Arakawa’s deaths came as a shock to their family and those who knew them.

Gene’s nephew, Tim Hackman, revealed that the family had expected Arakawa to oversee his funeral arrangements due to their significant age gap. “The preparedness of it was that he would go first,” Tim disclosed in an interview, explaining that they assumed they would visit New Mexico when the time came.

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman photographed at the Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Donny LaLonde match on November 7, 1988, in Las Vegas. | Source: Getty Images

Their sudden passing changed everything. “Now with this, it significantly changes things… I have no idea… I’m assuming one of his kids will probably take over,” he said.

The family first learned of their deaths from the Hollywood star’s daughter, Leslie Hackman, who had been in the closest contact with them. Tim said the news was unexpected, as there were no known serious health concerns. “I mean, he was old… but nothing that was shared,” he noted.

Although Tim last saw his uncle 11 years ago at his father Richard’s funeral, he stressed that there was no estrangement. He noted that Hackman preferred a quiet life and seldom traveled, spending time in California only during warmer months before returning to New Mexico.

Most of Tim’s interactions with Gene were through Arakawa, as his uncle had become less communicative with age. “I was just basically giving her updates on my kids and how they were doing,” he said, adding that he and Arakawa bonded over their military backgrounds.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa at the DW Griffith Awards on February 24, 1992 | Source: Getty Images

He also credited her with helping his uncle live a long life. “She’d just always say, ‘Oh, [Gene’s] doing good.’ I mean, he was moving around a lot for 95,” Tim recalled.

Following the announcement of the couple’s cause of death, many shared their condolences. “That’s so sad. Thoughts and prayers. I always enjoyed his acting,” one person wrote. Another echoed similar sentiments, while someone else simply commented, “Heartbreaking.”

In addition, Gene was honored at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles in the wake of his death for his legacy in film. The legendary actor, who won Oscars for “The French Connection” (1971) and “Unforgiven” (1992), was remembered for his remarkable career.

Veteran actor Morgan Freeman stated that Gene had won two Oscars but, more importantly, had captured the hearts of film lovers worldwide. He added that the now-late actor would be remembered for that and much more.

The passing of Gene Hackman and Arakawa left many with unanswered questions, but investigators ultimately determined their deaths were from natural causes. While the pianist succumbed to a rare infection, Gene’s declining health and lack of immediate assistance likely contributed to his passing.

Their deaths shocked fans and loved ones, who remembered them for their private life and enduring bond. As the investigation nears its conclusion, those closest to them are left to honor their legacy and grieve their loss.

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