Oscar-Winning Actor Gene Hackman and Wife’s Death: Cause of Death Revealed

Gene Hackman, 95, died of cardiovascular disease with Alzheimer’s as a factor; wife Betsy Arakawa succumbed to hantavirus.

March 8, 2025: Oscar-Winning Actor Gene Hackman and Wife Found Dead: Cause of Death Confirmed

Gene Hackman, 95, died of cardiovascular disease, while his wife Betsy Arakawa succumbed to a rare hantavirus infection.

After a week of speculation surrounding the tragic deaths of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, the New Mexico medical examiner’s office has officially confirmed the causes of their deaths.

• Hackman, 95, died from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a contributing factor.
• His wife, Betsy Arakawa (65), passed away due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and deadly disease transmitted by rodents.

Also read: Oscar-Winner Gene Hackman Was Likely Dead for Over a Week Before Discovery

Mystery Surrounding Their Deaths

The couple was found dead over a week after their passing, raising initial concerns about possible carbon monoxide poisoning or foul play. However, Chief Medical Investigator Heather Jarrell confirmed that no signs of trauma or poisoning were found on either body.

Timeline of Their Deaths

Also Read: Gene Hackman And Wife Betsy Arakawa’s Deaths Under Suspicion, Investigated

• Betsy Arakawa is believed to have passed away around February 11 due to hantavirus exposure, which causes severe respiratory and heart complications.
• Hackman likely died around February 18, according to data retrieved from his pacemaker, which recorded its last activity over a week before his body was discovered.
• The bodies were found only when maintenance workers attempted to access the couple’s Santa Fe property and raised an alarm.

What is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a rare but deadly disease that spreads through exposure to infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. Symptoms include:

• Fever, muscle aches, and fatigue
• Severe respiratory distress
• Organ failure if untreated

The virus has no specific cure and can lead to fatal complications in severe cases.

Hollywood Mourns a Legend

Gene Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, was known for his iconic roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, Superman, and The Royal Tenenbaums. His death marks the end of an era in Hollywood, with tributes pouring in from fans, colleagues, and the entertainment industry.

While his passing was due to natural causes, the unexpected death of his wife from a rare virus adds a tragic layer to an already heartbreaking loss.

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