In a tragic turn of events, the lives of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, ended in their cluttered Santa Fe home, revealing a disturbing scene that underscores the dangers of hantavirus. The couple's bodies were discovered on February 26, 2025, after maintenance workers entered the residence, only to find Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, alongside their dog, Zinnia, who had likely perished from dehydration.
Initial investigations ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of death. A necropsy report later confirmed that Arakawa succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but serious disease transmitted through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. Hackman, who had been suffering from heart disease complicated by Alzheimer’s, passed away six days later, reportedly unaware of his wife's fate.
According to police bodycam footage, the couple's $4 million home was found in disarray, cluttered with clothes, documents, and food left out in the open. The chaotic state of the home, along with signs of rodent infestations, led the New Mexico Department of Public Health to classify it as a "breeding ground" for hantavirus. Rodent feces were found in several outbuildings, including garages and sheds, while two dead rodents and nests were discovered in detached garages.
The severity of the situation was underscored by the findings of the environmental risk assessment conducted by the New Mexico Public Health Department. The assessment revealed that while the primary residence showed no signs of rodent activity, the infestation in the outbuildings was significant, indicating a long-term problem. This posed a risk not only to the deceased but also to any first responders or family members who entered the property after the discovery of the bodies.
Arakawa's final days were marked by distress as she reportedly searched online for symptoms related to flu and COVID-19. Her internet browsing history indicated that she was concerned about her husband’s health, noting that he had shown flu-like symptoms on February 11, just days before her death. She had even purchased Boost Oxygen canisters, suggesting a level of desperation as she tried to manage their health issues.
On February 12, the day she likely contracted the virus, Arakawa contacted a local concierge medical service, but the call lasted less than two minutes, and she missed a return call later that day. This timeline paints a poignant picture of a couple grappling with health challenges, with Arakawa trying to seek help for her husband while battling her own illness.
Authorities confirmed that Hackman’s death was attributed to natural causes, specifically heart disease exacerbated by Alzheimer’s. The couple's deaths have sparked discussions about the dangers of hantavirus, a disease that has caused nearly 730 confirmed cases in the U.S. between 1993 and 2017, predominantly in areas west of the Mississippi River. The virus is fatal in nearly four out of ten cases, making the circumstances surrounding Arakawa’s death particularly alarming.
Following the tragic discovery, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that there were no signs of foul play, and the deaths were deemed suspicious but not criminal in nature. Investigators noted that both individuals had no external trauma, and the home showed no signs of disturbance that would indicate a struggle. The lack of evidence suggesting a crime has led to a focus on the health issues that plagued the couple.
As the investigation unfolded, the public learned more about the couple's life together. Hackman and Arakawa met in the mid-1980s while she worked at a gym in California. They married in 1991, choosing to live away from the Hollywood spotlight in their Santa Fe home. While Hackman was a celebrated actor, known for his roles in films like The French Connection and Unforgiven, Arakawa was a talented classical pianist who performed from a young age.
In a heart-wrenching twist, Arakawa’s will stipulated that if she and Hackman died within 90 days of each other, their estate would be donated to charity. This poignant detail adds a layer of tragedy to their story, highlighting their shared commitment to giving back even in death.
In the wake of their passing, the couple was laid to rest in a private ceremony attended by Hackman’s three children. Their deaths serve as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the unforeseen dangers that can lurk in the most familiar places. As health officials continue to raise awareness about hantavirus, the tragic fate of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa will likely linger in the minds of many, urging greater caution regarding rodent infestations and the health risks they pose.
