Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, passed away from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare infectious disease, approximately a week before the actor’s own death, according to medical investigators. The couple was discovered deceased in their New Mexico home on February 26, alongside one of their pet dogs. Authorities have stated that there were no evident signs of foul play.
At a press conference, Dr. Heather Jarrell, the chief medical investigator for New Mexico, provided updates on the post-mortem examinations conducted after their deaths. She indicated that Arakawa likely died on February 11, the last date she was known to have communicated with others via email. Dr. Jarrell confirmed that there were no signs of trauma and that Arakawa’s death was attributed to natural causes.
Hackman, who suffered from advanced Alzheimer’s disease, died from heart disease, with his pacemaker data last recorded on February 18. Dr. Jarrell noted that due to his condition, it is possible he was unaware of his wife’s passing. The actor tested negative for hantavirus, which is transmitted through infected rodent droppings and is not contagious between humans.
In New Mexico, there were only seven confirmed cases of hantavirus last year, and Arakawa is the sole individual confirmed to have contracted it in the state in 2025. From 1975 to 2023, New Mexico reported a total of 129 hantavirus cases, resulting in 52 fatalities.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza mentioned that authorities are still awaiting data from mobile phones found at the residence, but he believes it is “very unlikely” they will reveal any additional information. He noted that there is “no indication” that Hackman used a mobile phone or any technology for communication, as the couple led a very private life.
The cause of the couple’s dog’s death remains unconfirmed, but it has been established that Arakawa picked the animal up from the vet, where it had undergone a procedure, on February 9. This procedure may explain why the dog was in a crate at the residence while two other dogs were found roaming the property.
Hackman, regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation, was a five-time Oscar nominee, winning the Best Actor award for “The French Connection” in 1972 and the Best Supporting Actor award for “Unforgiven” two decades later.
