Legendary Actor Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa Die in Santa Fe, Highlighting Rare Hantavirus Threat

Gene Hackman, the acclaimed actor, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased at their Santa Fe home, with New Mexico officials announcing the causes of their deaths on Friday. Hackman, aged 95, passed away from heart disease on February 18, with Alzheimer’s disease noted as a contributing factor. His wife, Arakawa, aged 65, died several days earlier from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and serious disease typically transmitted by rodents.

Dr. Heather Jarrell, New Mexico’s Chief Medical Investigator, confirmed that there were no signs of foul play involved in the couple’s deaths. The announcement followed autopsies conducted by medical investigators, which provided clarity on the circumstances surrounding their passing. The close timing of their deaths has drawn attention to the rare hantavirus, which claimed Arakawa’s life.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, the disease responsible for Arakawa’s death, is known for its severity and lack of available vaccine or cure. The virus is primarily spread through contact with infected rodents, with the deer mouse being the most common carrier in New Mexico. Dr. Jeff Duchin, a retired public health officer, highlighted the devastating nature of the disease, which first gained attention in the United States during an outbreak in 1993.

The passing of Hackman and Arakawa has brought renewed focus on the hantavirus, which remains a relatively rare but significant health threat in certain regions. As the community mourns the loss of the couple, health officials continue to emphasize the importance of awareness and preventive measures to mitigate the risk of hantavirus transmission.