Latest news with #HantavirusPulmonarySyndrome
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Autopsy of Gene Hackman's wife Betsy Arakawa confirms she was killed by rat-borne virus
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 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.
Daily Mirror
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Chilling new detail in Gene Hackman wife's autopsy after she was killed by rat-borne virus
Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead and partially mummified in their mansion in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 26 and it emerged the pianist had Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) Harrowing new details have emerged following Gene Hackman's wife's autopsy two months after she died from a rat-borne virus. The autopsy has found the concert pianist had fluid accumulation in her chest, and her lungs were heavy and congested. The 65-year-old musician's vessels, which supplied blood to the heart and body, had become hardened, the report released on Tuesday showed. She and her 95-year-old husband were discovered dead and partially mummified in their mansion in Santa Fe, New Mexico in February. It has since emerged Ms Hackman had died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) - an unpleasant rat-borne virus - in their bathroom days before her husband had passed. Now the new detail about the woman's lungs and vessels has been disclosed by authorities following analysis of the autopsy. The pianist, who was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, was exposed to rat droppings in the couple's garage and outhouses, it is understood. Hantavirus is a rare but potentially fatal disease spread by infected rodent faeces. READ MORE: Gene Hackman and wife Betsy's haunting final days in squalor from love notes to dog's brave act Ms Hackman tested negative for COVID-19 and flu, and showed no signs of trauma, the autopsy report said. Her carbon monoxide levels were within normal range, and she tested positive for caffeine and negative for alcohol and intoxicating drugs. Her carbon monoxide levels were within a normal range. Her husband, the legendary actor, 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 Disease," 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 recent 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." But Mr Hackman, who won three Golden Globe Awards including 1993's Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture for his role in Unforgiven, tested negative for Hantavirus. It cannot be spread between people. His wife died first around February 12 as a result of respiratory symptoms caused by Hantavirus, police in New Mexico said. However, Mr Hackman may not have ever realised his partner had died, due to the advanced nature of his Alzheimer's disease. The tragic couple tied the knot in December 1991, seven years after the first started dating. Mr Hackman, who played Lex Luthor in three Superman films, was married to Faye Maltese until their divorce in the late 1980s.
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Harrowing new detail in Gene Hackman wife's autopsy revealed after she was killed by rat-borne virus
Harrowing new details have emerged from Gene Hackman 's wife's autopsy after she died from a rat-borne virus. Legendary actor Hackman, 95, and 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. Per her autopsy report, Arakawa 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.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
California hotel worker dies from the same rare rodent disease that killed Gene Hackman's wife
A 26 year old man, who worked in a hotel in California has died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome complication, the same disease that killed Betsy Arakawa, wife of Oscar-winning actor . Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He was found dead in his home on March 6. The death of the young worker comes days after the death of Gene Hackman and his wife. According to medical investigators, Arakawa had died due to the Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. She had died a week before her husband. According to DailyMail, the hotel worker, who was also a ski enthusiast, "felt sick for about two weeks, even going to the hospital to get antibiotics the night before he died." What is hantavirus? Hantavirus was first recognized in the early 1990s in the United States, though it had been causing illness in other parts of the world much earlier. The particular strain that tends to cause severe illness in North and South America is known as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), while different strains in Europe and Asia can lead to Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS). It is a rare but potentially deadly virus that humans can contract through contact with infected rodents, specifically their urine, droppings, or saliva. Hantavirus infection can escalate quickly In the case of HPS, the symptoms can start off feeling very flu-like — fever, fatigue, muscle aches — especially in large muscle groups like the thighs, hips, and back. Some people also report headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, or abdominal pain. What makes hantavirus particularly dangerous is how quickly it can escalate. Within a few days, patients can experience coughing and shortness of breath as the lungs fill with fluid. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Without rapid medical treatment, this stage can become fatal. The mortality rate for HPS is alarmingly high, hovering around 38%, mainly because the virus moves fast and can overwhelm the body before help arrives. The virus is carried primarily by wild rodents. These animals don't get sick themselves but can shed the virus in their droppings, urine, and saliva. Humans typically get infected when they breathe in tiny particles containing the virus — something that can happen when cleaning out old sheds, cabins, or barns that have been left untouched for a long time. Disturbing rodent nests or sweeping up droppings without proper protection is a major risk factor. That's why health experts strongly advise wearing gloves and masks, and wetting down areas with disinfectant before cleaning, to reduce the chance of inhaling infected dust. How a Mysterious Virus Killed Gene Hackman's 'Fit' Wife; The Truth About Silent Killer Hantavirus
Daily Mail
27-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Growing concern as California hotel worker dies from same rare rodent disease that killed Gene Hackman's wife
An employee of a well-known California ski resort has died from the same rodent-caused illness as Gene Hackman 's wife Betsy Arakawa. Rodrigo Becerra, 26, who worked as a bellman at the Mammoth Mountain Inn, was found dead in his home from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome complication on March 6. Hantavirus is considered an extremely rare and deadly disease spread by rodents' urine, droppings and salvia. Humans can catch the virus by touching contaminated objects or being bitten by an infected animal. The disease can also be airborne, meaning people can become deathly ill via inhalation, according to the CDC. Becerra is the third person to perish from hantavirus in Mono County this year, sparking immense concern among the small community's locals. 'A third case of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), each of which has been fatal, is tragic and alarming,' Dr. Tom Boo of Mono County Public Health said in a statement earlier this month. Becerra died just a few days before his 27th birthday. Before the ski enthusiast's untimely death, he felt sick for about two weeks, even going to the hospital to get antibiotics the night before he died, his sister Mariela Becerra told SFGate. Although it is unclear how Becerra caught the fatal virus, Becerra was likely exposed to it at work. The director of health and safety for Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, David Andrews, told SFGate: 'A very small amount of rodent droppings were found in the bell area and behind the front desk, very near the front entrance at Mammoth Mountain Inn (MMI). 'The trace amounts found weren't concerning to health don't have reason for concern about workplace exposure at MMI for our employees or guests.' Mono County is the fourth-smallest county in California and is home to just over 13,000 people. All three residents who have died from hantavirus this year were employed at workplaces that had evidence of rodents, Mono County Health spokesperson Justin Caporusso told SFGate. 'Note that investigators found evidence of the presence of mice in the workplaces of each of these three people, but in no case did they find a gross infestation, a situation that would pose an obvious health risk,' he said. Andrews defended the resort, asserting they have had a 'comprehensive hantavirus policy in place for years.' He also told the outlet the resort has hired a company to deep-clean areas 'that have seen rodent activity.' In his early-April statement, Boo explained: 'We observed some mice in [Becerra's] workplace, which is not unusual for indoor spaces this time of year in Mammoth Lakes. 'We haven't identified any other activities in the weeks before illness that would have increased this person's exposure to mice or their droppings.' Mariela said her family feels no resentment towards the Mammoth, as her brother thoroughly enjoyed being a part of its community. Last month, the resort hosted a celebration of life to honor the passing of their devoted employee. 'Mammoth was always such a special place to him,' his sister wrote in a GoFundMe tribute, which has raised more than $17,400. 'This ski season he is sitting at the top of the Mammoth leaderboard with 96 days of skiing on the mountain he loved most. 'He was so excited to get to 100 days by his birthday.' Becerra's heartbreaking death comes after Hackman's classical pianist wife Arakawa, 65, died earlier this year from the same grueling disease. Authorities believe Arakawa died on February 12, with her Oscar winner husband, 95, tragically passing about six days later from Alzheimer's and heart disease complications. Their corpses were not discovered until weeks after they died in their New Mexico home.
