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Hackman died of heart disease with Alzheimer’s as a factor, while Arakawa succumbed to a rare rodent-borne hantavirus.

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FILE - Actor Gene Hackman with wife Betsy Arakawa in June 1993. (AP Photo, File)
A picture of Gene Hackman is displayed during an in memoriam presentation at the Oscars show at the 97th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 2, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Barria TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa are seen at the Golden Globe awards in 2003. Arakawa died at their New Mexico home of a rodent-borne disease called hantavirus, while Hackman died of heart problems, a medical examiner said Friday.

Overview

  • Gene Hackman, 95, died from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor.
  • Betsy Arakawa, 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare virus transmitted by rodents; her death was ruled natural.
  • Investigators believe Hackman lived for approximately a week after Arakawa's death, likely unaware of her passing due to his Alzheimer’s condition.
  • The couple was found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on February 26, along with one of their three dogs; two other dogs survived.
  • Authorities ruled out foul play and carbon monoxide poisoning, though the open front door and scattered prescription pills initially raised suspicion.