Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa died of natural causes in their Santa Fe home in February, according to newly released details from authorities. The Oscar-winning actor suffered from advanced Alzheimer’s while his wife contracted a deadly virus carried by rodents, revealing a tragic end for the beloved couple.
At a glance:
- Gene Hackman died from heart disease with Alzheimer’s as a contributing factor
- Betsy Arakawa, Hackman’s wife, died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome contracted from rodents
- The couple was found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26, but died weeks earlier
- Authorities found no signs of foul play in their investigation
- Hackman was in poor health with advanced Alzheimer’s disease when he died
No Foul Play Found in Hackman Deaths
Santa Fe authorities have concluded their investigation into the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, revealing both died of natural causes. Hackman, 94, died of heart disease with Alzheimer’s as a contributing factor, while Arakawa, 70, succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but deadly virus transmitted through contact with infected rodents.
The couple was discovered in their Santa Fe home on February 26, but medical investigators determined they had died weeks earlier. Hackman likely passed away around February 18, while Arakawa is believed to have died around February 11, according to officials who held a press conference to share details of their investigation.
Authorities will provide updates today in the investigation into the mysterious deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home last week under "suspicious" circumstances. https://t.co/QDCTVoAAuv
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) March 7, 2025
Advanced Alzheimer’s and Heart Disease
Medical investigators revealed Hackman was suffering from significant health problems at the time of his death. “He was in a very poor state of health. He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately that is what resulted in his death,” said Dr. Heather Jarrell, New Mexico’s chief medical investigator.
The investigation found that Hackman’s advanced Alzheimer’s disease likely prevented him from seeking help after his wife’s death. The actor, known for his roles in “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven,” was honored posthumously at this year’s Academy Awards for his contributions to film.
JUST IN: The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office has called for a press conference for Friday at 2PM to give an update on the investigation into the deaths of Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog.
The Medical Examiner’s Office and the New Mexico Department of Health… pic.twitter.com/TzQosK9kG3
— Zach Rael (@ZachRaelNews) March 6, 2025
Rare Hantavirus Killed Arakawa
Officials determined that Arakawa died from hantavirus, which has a high mortality rate in the Southwestern United States.
Investigators found evidence of rodent entry in the couple’s home, though the main residence was deemed low risk for hantavirus. Health officials emphasized prevention methods following the announcement, with Dr. Erin Phipps stating, “Avoiding contact with or breathing in aerosolized rodent urine or feces, especially in a poorly ventilated area, is key.”
Both Hackman and Arakawa tested negative for carbon monoxide, and no evidence of foul play was discovered during the investigation. The couple had been married since 1991 after meeting when Arakawa worked as a classical pianist and operated a fitness center in Los Angeles.
