Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, passed away from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease transmitted by rodents, officials in Santa Fe, New Mexico, reported Friday. The Oscar-winning actor, who was in an advanced stage of Alzheimer’s, likely died a week later.
Dr. Heather Jarrell, chief medical investigator for New Mexico, stated that Hackman’s cause of death was attributed to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s as a significant contributing factor. She suggested that due to his condition, Hackman may not have been aware of his wife’s passing.
Hantaviruses, spread through rodent droppings, urine, and saliva, can lead to severe illness and death, according to the CDC. Symptoms include fever, aches, coughing, and, in severe cases, respiratory failure. However, Hackman tested negative for the virus. Officials estimate he passed away around February 18, based on data from his pacemaker.
The couple’s bodies were discovered on February 26 in different rooms of their Santa Fe home after a maintenance worker alerted authorities. Hackman was found collapsed in a mudroom, while Arakawa was in a bathroom with an open pill bottle nearby. However, the medication was not considered a factor in her death. A deceased dog, initially identified as a German shepherd but later confirmed to be their Australian kelpie mix, Xena, was found in a bathroom closet.
Officials believe Xena may have died from starvation, as dogs do not contract hantavirus. Two other dogs were found alive on the property.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza described the deaths as “suspicious,” though there were no signs of foul play or external trauma. Investigations into the timeline of events are ongoing.
