Overview

• Betsy Arakawa's autopsy determined her death was caused by hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare infection likely contracted from rodent exposure on their property.
• Gene Hackman died days later of hypertensive, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with advanced Alzheimer's disease as a contributing factor.
• Forensic investigations ruled out foul play, toxic exposures, and other infections, including COVID-19 and influenza, in both cases.
• Environmental surveys of their Santa Fe residence revealed rodent infestations in outbuildings, pinpointed as the probable vector for the hantavirus.
• The couple's deaths occurred in mid-February, with their bodies discovered on February 26, concluding a detailed investigation into their passing.