Autopsy of Gene Hackman's wife Betsy Arakawa confirms she was killed by rat-borne virus

Daily Mail​

30-04-2025

Harrowing new details have emerged from Gene Hackman 's wife's autopsy two months after she died from a rat-borne virus.
Legendary actor Hackman, 95, and classical pianist wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead and partially mummified in their Santa Fe mansion on February 26, 2025.
After much speculation, it was revealed Arakawa had died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in their bathroom days before Hackman passed.
Arakawa also had fluid accumulation in her chest and mild hardening of the vessels that supplied blood to the heart and body at the time of her death, according to the autopsy report obtained by The Associated Press.
Arakawa tested negative for covid and the flu and showed no signs of trauma. She tested positive for caffeine and negative for alcohol and intoxicating drugs, and her carbon monoxide levels were within a normal range.
The final autopsy results for Hackman detailed the beloved Oscar winning actor's extensive medical history two months after he and his wife were found dead inside their home.
Hackman had 'a 'history of congestive heart failure' and 'severe chronic hypertensive changes, kidneys,' Fox reported, citing the Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico.
He had a 'bi-ventricular pacemaker' since April 2019 and 'neurodegenerative features consistent with Alzheimer's,' according to the autopsy.
'Autopsy showed severe atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with placement of coronary artery stents and a bypass graft, as well as a previous aortic valve replacement,' the documents stated.
'Remote myocardial infarctions were present involving the left ventricular free wall and the septum, which were significantly large. Examination of the brain showed microscopic findings of advanced stage Alzheimer's disease.'
Hackman tested negative for hantavirus.
Police have since determined that Arakawa died first around February 12 as a result of respiratory symptoms caused by the rare but deadly virus, which is passed on through rodent urine, saliva and feces. She was 65.
A report obtained by DailyMail.com indicated that Arakawa had bookmarks on her computer suggesting that she had been researching medical conditions with symptoms similar to covid and flu prior to her death.
'Testing for carbon monoxide was less than 5 per cent saturation, in keeping with a normal range,' the medical examiner noted.
Hackman also had trace amounts of acetone in his system at the time of his death, which could be a product of 'diabetic- and fasting-induced ketoacidosis.'
Hackman, who was suffering from advanced Alzheimer's at the time, is believed to have wandered around the couple's home alone after his wife's death.
Due to the advanced condition, he may not have ever realized his wife had died.
The actor died nearly a week later around February 18, from severe heart disease, while Alzheimer's and kidney disease were contributing factors.
A week after the bodies were discovered, the New Mexico Department of Public Health conducted a health assessment on the property.
The department concluded that dead rodents and their nests were found in 'eight detached outbuildings' on the Hackman property, making it a 'breeding ground' for the hantavirus.
The deadly hantavirus typically spreads through rodent urine and droppings that one may come into contact with when cleaning a basement or an attic.
There were droppings found in three garages, two casitas, and three sheds on the property.
Additionally, there was a live rodent, a dead rodent and a rodent nest found in three more garages on the property, according to the inspectors.
There were also two vehicles seen on the estate that had evidence of rodents, and they even found traps in the buildings as well, suggesting this had been an ongoing issue for the Hackmans.
The health assessment was conducted to assess whether first responders or others who were on the property were safe from the virus.
Cops who combed their home following the gruesome discovery shared bodycam footage which captured how the couple's other heartbroken dog watched over Betsy's lifeless body as it lay surrounded by clutter.
A series of heartbreaking notes were also found dotted around the house, each exchanged between the couple and showing their affection for one another until the end.
Photos of their adored German Shepherds also adorned tables and sideboards, with smiling pictures of the couple with their old pets dating back years.