Officials have disclosed the causes of death for actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, more than a week after the couple was discovered dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, residence.
Hackman, 95, passed away due to complications related to cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s, likely around February 18—approximately a week after his wife succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare illness transmitted through contact with rodents, according to authorities.
Dr. Heather Jarrell, chief medical investigator for the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, confirmed that Hackman’s passing resulted from “hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease,” with Alzheimer’s disease playing a significant role.
“Mr. Hackman exhibited advanced Alzheimer’s,” Jarrell stated during a press conference. “His overall health was severely compromised, and his heart condition was particularly serious, ultimately leading to his death.”
Betsy Arakawa’s Death Linked to Hantavirus
Arakawa, 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which spreads through exposure to the urine, saliva, or droppings of infected rodents, officials reported.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes the disease as initially presenting flu-like symptoms, which can rapidly progress to severe respiratory distress. Individuals infected with hantavirus typically experience symptoms for about three to six days before entering a critical pulmonary phase, during which fluid accumulates in and around the lungs.
“This stage can be fatal within 24 to 48 hours if medical intervention is not provided,” Jarrell explained.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza of Santa Fe County noted that Hackman had likely remained in the home for about a week after his wife’s death. Investigators found no food in his stomach, suggesting he had not eaten recently, yet he showed no signs of dehydration.
“Given his advanced Alzheimer’s, it is possible he was unaware of his wife’s passing,” Jarrell added, though she acknowledged that this remains uncertain.
Investigation Finds No Signs of Foul Play
The couple was discovered on February 26 after authorities conducted a welfare check. With no immediate signs indicating the cause of death, investigators initially considered the circumstances “suspicious enough to warrant a thorough search and examination,” according to a search warrant affidavit.
Officials ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning after both the couple and their home tested negative for the gas. The New Mexico Gas Company also completed an inspection, reporting no significant leaks.
Hackman was found on the floor of the home’s mudroom, appearing to have collapsed suddenly, the affidavit noted. Medical records showed he had a history of severe heart disease, prior heart attacks, and chronic high blood pressure. Data from his pacemaker indicated cardiac activity until February 17, with an abnormal heart rhythm recorded on February 18—the last sign of life.
Notably, Hackman tested negative for hantavirus.
Arakawa’s body was found in a bathroom, lying on her side near a space heater. Investigators noted signs of decomposition, including mummification of her hands and feet. An open prescription bottle containing thyroid medication was found on a nearby counter, but officials determined the medication had been taken as prescribed and played no role in her death.
Condition of the Couple’s Pets
One of the couple’s three dogs was discovered dead inside a crate roughly 10 to 15 feet from Arakawa’s body. However, their two other dogs were found alive—one inside the home near Arakawa and the other outside, likely having accessed a doggy door.
Dr. Erin Phipps, a veterinarian with the New Mexico Department of Health, suggested that the deceased dog may have died due to a lack of food and water, though a necropsy is being conducted to confirm the cause. She clarified that dogs cannot contract hantavirus.
Timeline of Arakawa’s Last Days
Authorities reconstructed Arakawa’s final movements before her death. On February 9, she retrieved one of their dogs from a veterinary hospital following a procedure, which may explain why the pet was later found confined to a crate.
On February 11, she visited a farmer’s market, a CVS pharmacy, and a pet supply store before returning to her gated community at 5:15 p.m. Officials found no evidence of any communication from her after that evening, as her emails remained unread beyond that date.
Between 1993 and 2022, 864 cases of hantavirus were reported in the United States, according to the CDC.