New Mexico authorities have revealed the causes of death for actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa a week after they were discovered deceased at their residence in Santa Fe. According to Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell, Hackman passed away due to heart disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a contributing factor. Arakawa, on the other hand, succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome several days before Hackman. Investigators had been working to determine the couple’s cause of death since they were found at home last month.
Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were found lifeless in their residence within a gated community in Santa Fe on Feb. 26, though they are believed to have passed away earlier in the month. Jarrell mentioned that Hackman likely passed around Feb. 18 based on his pacemaker’s last activity. An autopsy revealed that Hackman’s demise was primarily due to heart disease, aggravated by advanced Alzheimer’s. He tested negative for hantavirus.
Arakawa was likely the first to pass, with Feb. 11 being the last confirmed time she was alive. People infected with hantavirus may initially experience flu-like symptoms for three to six days before the onset of respiratory issues. Jarrell explained that without medical intervention, a person with hantavirus could deteriorate rapidly, potentially leading to a sudden collapse. It is uncertain if Hackman was aware of his wife’s passing, given his advanced Alzheimer’s condition.
Hantaviruses, transmitted from rodents to humans, are present worldwide. The specific strain in New Mexico, commonly found in deer mice and other rodents, has a mortality rate of approximately 38%-50%. The virus can be contracted through exposure to infected rodent excrement. Preventative measures include avoiding contact with rodent waste in poorly ventilated areas.
Hantavirus infection manifests with flu-like symptoms that can progress to respiratory and cardiac failure. The illness is rare, with only a few cases reported in New Mexico annually. The seriousness of the disease underscores the importance of minimizing exposure to rodent excrement to prevent infection.
State health investigators assessed the risk of hantavirus exposure on the couple’s property, finding signs of rodent activity on structures other than the main residence. The deaths of Hackman and Arakawa are under investigation, with initial findings showing no signs of foul play or external trauma. Hackman’s body was discovered in a mudroom with personal items nearby, while medication and pills were found in the home. One of the couple’s dogs was found deceased near Arakawa, possibly due to dehydration or starvation. Investigators retrieved cellphones and a planner from the residence, noting the absence of surveillance cameras. The sheriff mentioned the couple’s privacy and the lack of gas leaks or carbon monoxide in the home. Hackman was recently honored at the Academy Awards for his acclaimed acting career.
