Santa Fe: Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, who was in an advanced stage of Alzheimer’s disease, died of heart disease and other contributing factors days after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, succumbed to a rare virus spread by mice, according to an autopsy report released on Friday in New Mexico.
The 95-year-old actor and his 64-year-old wife were found dead on February 26 in separate rooms of their Santa Fe home, along with one of their dogs. Autopsy results confirmed that Hackman suffered from heart disease, while Arakawa’s death was caused by hantavirus pulmonary syndrome—a rare but often fatal disease.
At a press conference held by the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office, authorities revealed that Arakawa likely died around February 11, based on the date of her last email, while Hackman was determined to have passed on February 18, according to pacemaker activity readings.
Actor Gene Hackman died of heart disease, according to his autopsy. An investigator said it was possible that the actor, who also had Alzheimer’s, did not know of his wife’s death of a rare hantavirus syndrome days earlier https://t.co/tkgvg6sobv pic.twitter.com/KRYJV8zR1o
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 8, 2025
Did Alzheimer’s Prevent Hackman from Realizing His Wife Had Died?
Given Hackman’s advanced cognitive decline, Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza was asked whether the actor might have been unaware of his wife’s death.
“I would assume that is the case,” Mendoza told reporters.
Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Investigator at the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, echoed the sentiment, stating, “He was in an advanced state of Alzheimer’s and it is quite possible he was not aware she was deceased.”
Hantavirus: A Rare and Deadly Disease
Hantavirus, which claimed Arakawa’s life, is an uncommon disease in the United States, primarily affecting New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. It is transmitted through the droppings and urine of deer mice, particularly when dried particles become airborne during activities like cleaning sheds or storage spaces. The illness begins with flu-like symptoms and can escalate to heart and lung failure, with a fatality rate of 38% to 50%.
State health officials found no clear evidence of rodent activity inside the couple’s home, but there were signs of rodent presence in exterior structures, according to State Veterinarian Erin Phipps.
A Private Life in Santa Fe
Hackman and Arakawa, a pianist, had lived in Santa Fe since the 1980s, where they were actively involved in the art and culinary community. However, as Hackman’s health declined, the couple became increasingly reclusive.
The couple’s bodies were discovered by a caretaker in their gated community, with Hackman found in the kitchen and Arakawa in a bathroom. Their dog, which was also found deceased, may have died from starvation, officials suggested.
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A Legendary Career in Hollywood
Hackman, known for his raspy voice and commanding screen presence, enjoyed a celebrated career spanning over four decades. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, he turned to acting, starring in over 80 films, as well as on television and stage.
His breakout role came as Buck Barrow in 1967’s “Bonnie and Clyde”, earning him his first Oscar nomination. He went on to win two Academy Awards:
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- Best Actor in 1972 for his performance as Detective Popeye Doyle in “The French Connection”
- Best Supporting Actor in 1993 for his role as Sheriff Little Bill Daggett in “Unforgiven”
