Gene Hackman’s death confirmed as cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s, wife died from hantavirus

The cause of death of Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, has been officially confirmed by medical investigators, shedding light on the tragic final days of the Hollywood legend. Officials revealed that Hackman, 95, succumbed to cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s, while his wife, 65, died from the rare and often fatal hantavirus pulmonary syndrome—a disease linked to rodent exposure.

Their deaths, initially deemed “suspicious,” prompted a thorough investigation, but authorities have since ruled out external foul play, including carbon monoxide poisoning. The confirmation puts an end to growing speculation surrounding the mysterious circumstances under which the couple was found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26, 2025.

Gene Hackman’s Cause of Death: Cardiovascular and Alzheimer’s Disease

Dr. Heather Jarrell, the chief medical investigator for New Mexico’s Office of the Medical Investigator, disclosed that Hackman suffered from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease listed as a “significant contributory factor.”

“Mr. Hackman was in an advanced state of Alzheimer’s and suffered from severe heart disease,” Jarrell said. “It is likely that his overall health deterioration, compounded by Alzheimer’s, ultimately led to his death.”

Medical reports suggest Hackman passed away around February 18, 2025, nearly a week after Arakawa’s death. The actor’s pacemaker data indicated his last recorded heart activity on February 18, with abnormal cardiac rhythms detected the day prior.

Authorities noted that Hackman showed no signs of dehydration but had not eaten for an extended period before his death. Given his cognitive state, experts speculate that he may not have been aware of his wife’s passing.

Betsy Arakawa’s Death Linked to Rare Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

Arakawa’s hantavirus pulmonary syndrome diagnosis has raised concerns about rodent-borne diseases in the region. Officials explained that hantavirus, which has a fatality rate of approximately 38%, is primarily contracted through exposure to rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes the disease as one that starts with flu-like symptoms before progressing rapidly to severe respiratory distress.

“Once the disease enters its pulmonary phase, victims can succumb within 24 to 48 hours if untreated,” Jarrell explained.

Arakawa was last seen alive on February 11, 2025, after visiting a farmer’s market, CVS, and a pet food store. Investigators confirmed that none of her emails were opened after that date, reinforcing their timeline of her passing.

Couple Found Dead After Welfare Check Raises Concerns

Authorities conducted a welfare check on February 26 after concerns arose about the couple’s well-being. Hackman was found collapsed in the mudroom, while Arakawa’s body was discovered in a bathroom, showing early signs of decomposition. A space heater was running nearby.

Notably, an opened prescription bottle was found on the counter, but investigators confirmed the pills—thyroid medication—were taken as prescribed and played no role in her death.

Adding to the tragedy, one of the couple’s three dogs was found dead, while the other two survived, likely due to access to a doggy door. A necropsy is pending to determine the pet’s cause of death, but authorities suspect starvation.

No Carbon Monoxide, But Initial Suspicion Prompted Investigation

In the early stages of the investigation, authorities treated the case as suspicious, given the absence of clear signs of trauma.

Forensic teams ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning after both Hackman and Arakawa tested negative. A subsequent review by the New Mexico Gas Company also found no leaks.

Although investigators initially considered the possibility of an external cause, medical reports ultimately attributed their deaths to natural causes.

Hantavirus Cases Remain Rare but Deadly

Hantavirus remains an uncommon but highly lethal disease in the United States. According to the CDC, there were 864 reported cases between 1993 and 2022, with outbreaks mostly concentrated in the Southwestern region.

Unlike other zoonotic diseases, hantavirus cannot be transmitted between humans, meaning Arakawa’s infection was an isolated incident. Veterinarians have also confirmed that dogs do not contract or transmit hantavirus, ensuring the surviving pets are not at risk.

Hollywood Mourns the Loss of a Legendary Actor

Gene Hackman, a two-time Academy Award-winning actor, was known for iconic roles in films such as The French Connection, Unforgiven, and Hoosiers. Despite retiring from acting in 2004, his influence on the industry remained profound.

His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from Hollywood figures, with many remembering him as one of the greatest actors of his generation.

Hackman’s estate and legacy are now a topic of discussion, with industry experts speculating on the management of his assets and intellectual property.

As the entertainment world mourns, health officials are also using the case as a reminder of the dangers of hantavirus exposure, urging the public to take precautions when dealing with rodent-infested areas.