Sunday, 01 Jun 2025

Gene Hackman died of heart disease, about one week after wife died of hantavirus: investigators

New Mexico authorities provided an update Friday into the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who were found dead in their home in Santa Fe.


Gene Hackman died of heart disease, about one week after wife died of hantavirus: investigators

Gene Hackman died due to hypertensive atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease and Alzheimers as a significant contributing factor, New Mexico officials confirmed Friday. He was likely alone in the home until he died around February 18th, which was the last time activity was recorded on his pacemaker.

His wife, Betsy Arakawa, died due to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, which is transmitted from animals to humans and is commonly found in rodents, the New Mexico Department of Health confirmed. Arakawa's autopsy determined the manner of death as natural. Authorities believe Arakawa died on about Feb. 11. 

Hackman and Arakawa, who were married for more than 30 years, and one of their dogs, were found dead in their Santa Fe home on Feb. 26 by maintenance workers.

Detectives initially described their deaths as "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation," according to a search warrant affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital. 

Additionally, the New Mexico Gas Company confirmed Tuesday "no significant findings" after conducting an extensive investigation for gas leaks and carbon monoxide at the couple's secluded home.

A "minuscule leak (0.33% gas in air - not a lethal amount) at one of the stove burners" was discovered, according to a release obtained by Fox News Digital. Four code enforcement violations were also noted involving "a water heater and gas log lighters installed in three fireplaces." 

LISTEN: GENE HACKMAN 911 CALL

"According to the pathologist, I think that is a very good assumption that that was his last day of life," Mendoza said. 

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