Unexpected Tragedy: The Hantavirus Death of Betsy Arakawa, spouse of Iconic Actor Gene Hackman

In a recent and unexpected turn of events, Betsy Arakawa, the wife of retired Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, succumbed to hantavirus, a rare but deadly virus. This occurred shortly after she had been researching symptoms of COVID-19, mistaking her initial symptoms for the widely known pandemic virus.

Betsy Arakawa, aged 63, passed away on April 10, 2025, leaving behind her husband of over three decades, Gene Hackman, and a community in grief. Prior to her diagnosis, Betsy had experienced symptoms that she presumed were indicative of COVID-19, due to their overlap with the hantavirus symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and muscle aches.

Hantavirus is transmitted through contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. Unlike COVID-19, which spread vastly across populations, hantavirus is not transmitted from person to person, but through indirect contact with infected rodent carriers. The sudden onset and progression of the disease caught Betsy and her family off guard, leading to a devastating outcome.

Gene Hackman, now 95, met Arakawa in the early 90s when she was working at a gym in Los Angeles. Their relationship blossomed over the years, leading to a long-lasting marriage that has been widely regarded as a Hollywood success story. Hackman, who retired from acting in 2004, has always been private about his personal life, making this loss even more poignant for those close to the couple.

The couple lived a relatively quiet life in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where Hackman has focused on his writing and painting since retiring from the screen. Their life away from the Hollywood spotlight was peaceful and grounded, a contrast to Hackman’s dynamic and often intense acting career. Arakawa herself was an accomplished classical pianist, often performing at local events and maintaining a discrete yet vibrant presence in the community.

The news of Betsy Arakawa’s death has sparked a wider discussion on the dangers of underestimating less known viruses like hantavirus, especially in areas with high rodent populations. Health authorities in New Mexico are urging residents and visitors to take preventive measures against rodent-borne diseases, emphasizing the importance of maintaining clean living and storage areas to deter rodent infestations.

This loss serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the health challenges that can arise unexpectedly and the significance of vigilance in recognizing and responding to unusual health symptoms. As the Hackman family mourns, they advocate for increased awareness and precautionary measures to prevent similar tragedies.

Gene Hackman has not publicly commented on the passing of his wife. The family requests privacy during this difficult time, as they navigate through this unexpected loss.