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Hackman’s wife sought help online before dying: she had hantavirus

Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy Arak passed away in February. The actor, 95 and suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, died a few days later at their home in Santa Fe

In the days leading up to her death, Betsy Arakawa, wife of Oscar-winner Gene Hackman, had been researching online about flu symptoms, Covid and nosebleeds, looking for answers to an ailment that would later prove fatal. In fact, the 65-year-old pianist died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare rodent-borne disease often mistaken for influenza in its early stages.

According to documents released by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office – made public despite family members’ attempts to prevent it – Arakawa died around 12 February. Her husband, Gene Hackman, 95 years old and suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s disease, passed away a few days later, on 18 February, presumably without realising his wife’s death.

The bodies of the two were only discovered on 26 February by neighbourhood security officers. Nests and rodent remains were found inside the house, confirming possible exposure to the hantavirus.

Arakawa’s online searches on 10 and 11 February included questions such as ‘can Covid cause dizziness?’ and ‘flu and nosebleeds’. She had also cancelled an appointment with a massage therapist reporting that her husband was showing flu-like symptoms, despite testing negative for Covid. In addition, she had ordered oxygen cylinders from Amazon.

According to the authorities, Gene Hackman died of a severe heart condition, aggravated by Alzheimer’s disease. The last activity of his pacemaker was on 18 February, with signs of atrial fibrillation.

Also dramatic was the fate of one of the couple’s three dogs, who died of starvation and dehydration, while the other two were rescued.

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