Gene Hackman, renowned for his Academy Award-winning performances, has passed away due to coronary artery disease one week after his wife Betsy Arakawa, who succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The couple’s tragic and untimely deaths occurred in their New Mexico home, previously marked with an absence of foul play. Investigators are working to understand how Ms. Arakawa contracted the rare illness, while friends and family mourn the loss of the celebrated actor and his long-time partner.
Oscar-Winning Actor Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa Pass Away Within Days of Each Other
Oscar-Winning Actor Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa Pass Away Within Days of Each Other
Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, have both died from natural causes days apart, raising questions about the impact of illness within their household.
In recent news, beloved actor Gene Hackman has passed away at the age of 95, just one week following the death of his wife, Betsy Arakawa, aged 65. The couple died at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where it was determined that Hackman succumbed to coronary artery disease with Alzheimer's disease contributing, while Arakawa passed away due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a respiratory illness linked to rodent droppings.
Dr. Heather Jarrell from the New Mexico Medical Investigator's Office has confirmed that it is believed Arakawa died on February 11, with Hackman following on February 18. Due to his advanced Alzheimer’s, it is quite possible that Hackman was unaware of his wife's passing. Investigations revealed that conditions in the home did not suggest foul play, and preliminary tests indicated no signs of gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Authorities highlighted that hantavirus infections are extremely rare, with only 136 reported cases in over fifty years in New Mexico. Investigators are currently working to ascertain how Arakawa contracted the virus amidst findings of rodent activity around the property, although the risk within the main residence was deemed low.
Gene Hackman enjoyed a prolific career, winning Academy Awards for his powerful performances in "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven." In addition to his illustrious acting career, he was also a devoted family man, survived by three adult children from a previous marriage. The couple, who were married for over 30 years, were discovered after a concerned welfare check showed signs of their tragic passing. Their two surviving dogs were found unharmed, while the third was deceased near Arakawa's vicinity. The circumstances of their passing have left a community in mourning, emphasizing both the fragility of life and the deep connection shared between the couple.
Dr. Heather Jarrell from the New Mexico Medical Investigator's Office has confirmed that it is believed Arakawa died on February 11, with Hackman following on February 18. Due to his advanced Alzheimer’s, it is quite possible that Hackman was unaware of his wife's passing. Investigations revealed that conditions in the home did not suggest foul play, and preliminary tests indicated no signs of gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Authorities highlighted that hantavirus infections are extremely rare, with only 136 reported cases in over fifty years in New Mexico. Investigators are currently working to ascertain how Arakawa contracted the virus amidst findings of rodent activity around the property, although the risk within the main residence was deemed low.
Gene Hackman enjoyed a prolific career, winning Academy Awards for his powerful performances in "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven." In addition to his illustrious acting career, he was also a devoted family man, survived by three adult children from a previous marriage. The couple, who were married for over 30 years, were discovered after a concerned welfare check showed signs of their tragic passing. Their two surviving dogs were found unharmed, while the third was deceased near Arakawa's vicinity. The circumstances of their passing have left a community in mourning, emphasizing both the fragility of life and the deep connection shared between the couple.
