Hollywood has been rocked by the tragic deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and the causes have been revealed.
The couple was found deceased in their Santa Fe home, and now, authorities have revealed the shocking causes behind their untimely passings.
Betsy Arakawa’s Death: A Rare and Deadly Infection
Betsy Arakawa, 65, succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but deadly disease caused by exposure to rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. The virus, which has a fatality rate of up to 42%, is uncommon but extremely dangerous. According to medical reports, Arakawa likely contracted the virus weeks before her passing, and it went undetected until it was too late.
Health officials found signs of rodent activity in outlying structures of the couple’s property, though the main home was considered a low-risk area. It remains unclear how or where she was exposed, but her death has reignited concerns over hantavirus outbreaks in rural areas.
Gene Hackman’s Death: Alone in the House for Days
Just days after losing his wife, 95-year-old Gene Hackman passed away from complications related to severe heart disease, high blood pressure, and advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Shockingly, evidence suggests that Hackman may have remained in the house, unaware that Betsy had passed, due to his cognitive condition.
The last recorded activity on Hackman’s pacemaker was on February 17, suggesting he died one day later. Investigators determined that he had no food in his stomach, but showed no signs of dehydration, meaning he may have remained alive but disoriented in the home for several days before passing.
A Devastating Discovery
Authorities found the couple on February 26, in an advanced state of decomposition. Their bodies were discovered after a pest control worker noticed no response at the home and called security, who then alerted law enforcement.
Investigators also found their dog, Zinna, dead in a crate in a closet, while two other dogs survived on the property. A necropsy is being conducted to determine the pet’s cause of death.
No Foul Play, But Lingering Questions
Although a small gas leak was discovered in the house, it was ruled out as a cause of death for Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa. Authorities have stated that there are no signs of foul play, though questions remain about the tragic sequence of events that led to two deaths within days of each other.
As Hollywood mourns the loss of one of its greatest actors, the tragic passing of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa serves as a heartbreaking reminder of life’s unpredictability. Their memory will live on through Hackman’s legendary film career and Arakawa’s contributions to music.
- Kim Kardashian Relationships: Every Scandal, Split & Surprise Romance - March 9, 2025
- Lara Trump Faces Brutal Criticism Over Looks After Hosting Debut - March 9, 2025
- Hailey Bieber Shares Adorable New Pics of Baby Jack - March 9, 2025
