Actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have both passed away within a week of each other, leaving a profound impact on the film community. Gene Hackman, the acclaimed Oscar-winning actor, died on February 18, at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, due to coronary artery disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease as a contributing factor. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, aged 65, died just a week earlier, reportedly from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a serious respiratory illness resulting from exposure to infected rodent droppings.
According to reports from the New Mexico Medical Investigator's Office, Betsy may have passed away around February 11, with her last known activities involving a grocery trip earlier that day. This tragic timeline raises concerns about whether Gene, who was in advanced stages of Alzheimer's, was aware of his wife's death. Dr. Heather Jarrell suggested that it is indeed "quite possible" he did not comprehend her passing, citing his cognitive condition.
Betsy Arakawa’s death was classified as natural, stemming from a rare illness with few cases reported in the region over the past few decades. Experts reiterated that hantavirus infections remain rare in New Mexico, with only 136 cases documented in 50 years. Preliminary assessments also indicated no immediate risk within the couple’s home, despite some evidence of rodent activity on their property.
In their shared residence valued at approximately $3.8 million, both Gene and Betsy's bodies were discovered by local authorities conducting a welfare check after prolonged silence from the couple. Both were found in advanced stages of decomposition, highlighting the tragedy of their unceremonious end. Also found at the house were medications related to their health issues, alongside the remains of one of their three dogs.
Gene Hackman was celebrated for his versatile acting career, receiving two Academy Awards for his performances in "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven." Even though he stepped away from the Hollywood spotlight following his last appearance in "Welcome to Mooseport" in 2004, his legacy continues to resonate within the industry.
The couple’s more than three-decade-long marriage was marked by love and companionship, further emphasizing the deep personal loss felt by their family and friends. Gene's three adult children from a previous marriage survive him, as the community mourns the loss of two exceptional lives intertwined both personally and professionally within the fabric of film history.
