Here’s How Gene Hackman and His Wife Died

Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office officials and New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator officials hold a press conference on the death of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, who were found dead on February 26, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, March 7, 2025. REUTERS/Andrew Hay

The Celebrity Beat…

We finally know how Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy died… and it’s pretty tragic.

Authorities say Betsy passed first, of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.  It’s a severe respiratory illness you get from contact with infected rodents.  Then Gene survived about a week, before succumbing to severe cardiovascular disease.

And if you’re wondering why he didn’t seek help after his wife died, he was suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s disease so he may not have even known she died, or how to take care of himself.  There was no food in his system.

He also showed signs of multiple heart surgeries and prior heart attacks.

Authorities say February 11th was the last day Betsy was known to be alive.  She was seen on surveillance cameras at a CVS.  An analysis of Gene’s pacemaker suggests he died on the 17th or 18th.  Their bodies were discovered on the 26th.

SOURCE: Hollywood Reporter