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Hollywood is mourning the loss of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, whose tragic deaths have been linked to a rare and deadly virus that has now claimed multiple lives in California.
The couple was found deceased in their Santa Fe home on February 26. Hackman, 95, was discovered in the mudroom, and Arakawa, 65, in the bathroom surrounded by prescription bottles. Their bodies, partially mummified, indicated they had been dead for some time before being discovered by a maintenance worker. Hackman’s loyal dog reportedly led police to his body, sitting protectively beside him.
Initially, officials suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, but toxicology ruled it out. Arakawa’s death was later attributed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare respiratory illness. However, mystery surrounds her final moments. Dr. Josiah Child, who had treated the couple, revealed that Arakawa called his clinic on February 12 — a day after she was believed to have passed. She had reportedly scheduled an appointment for herself and inquired about an echocardiogram for Hackman.
“This suggests she was seeking medical help and wasn’t feeling well,” said Sheriff Adan Mendoza.
Following her death, three additional hantavirus-related fatalities were reported in Mammoth Lakes, California. Mono County’s Public Health Officer, Dr. Tom Boo, called the cluster of cases “tragic and alarming,” expressing uncertainty about the origin of the infections.
Authorities revised Arakawa’s date of death to February 11 but acknowledged the timeline remains unclear due to Dr. Child’s claim. Hackman, who had a pacemaker, is believed to have died on February 17 — the date his device ceased recording a heartbeat.
Multiple theories have emerged: Did Hackman suffer a heart attack after discovering Arakawa’s death? Did her illness go unnoticed despite the phone call for help? Or did isolation and declining health lead to their quiet demise?
The couple had become increasingly reclusive in recent years. Friends and neighbors described them as private, rarely socializing and largely absent from the community.
A miscommunication during the early investigation led to the mistaken belief that the couple’s German Shepherd, Bear, had also died. However, Bear survived, while another dog, a 12-year-old Kelpie mix named Zinna, was found deceased in a closet. Her death was ruled a result of starvation and dehydration.
Gene Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, was best known for roles in The French Connection, Superman, and Unforgiven. He retired from acting in 2004 and moved to New Mexico with Arakawa, focusing instead on writing. The two were married in 1991 and did not have children together. Hackman had three children from a previous marriage to Faye Maltese.
Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth, has suggested toxic fumes could have played a role in the tragedy, but the investigation remains ongoing. For now, officials maintain that no foul play is suspected.
The deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa have left a profound void in the hearts of those who knew and admired them.
Rest in peace, Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.
