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.