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Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's Causes of Death Revealed in Santa Fe Investigation

The actor died of heart disease a week after his wife succumbed to hantavirus, with authorities uncovering a tragic timeline of events in their home.

  • Gene Hackman, 95, died of cardiovascular disease with Alzheimer's disease as a contributing factor, while his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
  • Arakawa contracted the rare rodent-borne disease and passed away on February 11, 2025, while Hackman remained in the home for seven days before his death on February 18.
  • Authorities believe Hackman, in advanced stages of Alzheimer's, was likely unaware of his wife's death and did not seek help during the week he lived alone.
  • The couple’s dog Zinna also died in the home, with investigators awaiting necropsy results to determine the cause of the animal's death.
  • The investigation remains open, with authorities reviewing cell phone records and other evidence to close remaining questions about their final days.
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