Gene Hackman’s Wife’s Killer Virus Claims Three Lives

Three people have died from the same rare and deadly virus that claimed the life of Gene Hackman’s wife earlier this year, leaving health officials baffled and concerned about its unusual spread.

Key Insights

Betsy Arakawa, wife of legendary actor Gene Hackman, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in February 2024, with Hackman passing away from heart disease approximately one week later.
Three additional fatal cases of hantavirus have now been reported in Mammoth Lakes, California, raising significant concerns among health officials.
The timing of these infections is “strikingly unusual” as hantavirus cases typically occur in late spring or summer, not early in the year.
Officials are particularly alarmed because the source of infection remains unclear in at least one of the recent cases, with no evidence of mouse activity.
Hantavirus is transmitted through contact with infected rodent waste and carries a mortality rate of approximately one-third.

Deadly Virus Claims Multiple Lives

Authorities have confirmed that three people in Mammoth Lakes, California, have died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, the same rare virus that killed Betsy Arakawa, wife of acclaimed actor Gene Hackman. The deaths occurred in Mono County, which has recorded 27 hantavirus cases since 1993 – the highest number in California. These recent fatalities have prompted urgent investigations by public health officials, who note the unusual timing of the outbreak. Mono County Public Health has described the situation as both “tragic” and “alarming.”

The virus, carried primarily by deer mice, causes symptoms including fever, muscle aches, shortness of breath, and coughing. Typically, only 20 to 50 cases are reported annually across the entire United States. Health officials have confirmed that one of the recent California deaths likely resulted from a person vacuuming rodent waste during a known home infestation – a classic transmission path for the virus.

🇺🇸 RARE VIRUS KILLS 3 IN CALI TOWN—INCLUDING GENE HACKMAN'S WIFE

A third person has died from hantavirus in Mammoth Lakes, California—bringing the death toll to three since February.

The virus, usually spread through mouse droppings and urine, killed Gene Hackman’s wife earlier… https://t.co/DJq2lPipw7 pic.twitter.com/nDkmZMNIxn

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 5, 2025

Mysterious Circumstances Surrounding Recent Cases

What has particularly concerned health authorities is the lack of clear evidence regarding how all victims contracted the virus. Dr. Tom Boo, Mono County Public Health Officer, expressed significant worry about the unusual timing and clustering of cases. “The occurrence of three cases in a short period has me worried, especially this early in the year,” he stated. Most hantavirus cases typically appear in late spring or summer, making this early-year cluster particularly concerning for epidemiologists.

“A third case of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), each of which has been fatal, is tragic and alarming. We don’t have a clear sense of where this young adult may have contracted the virus,” said Dr Tom Boo.

Most troubling to authorities is the most recent case, where investigators found no evidence of mouse infestation or activity in the victim’s home or workplace. This mystery deepens concerns about potential new transmission routes or environmental factors that may be increasing virus spread. President Trump’s health officials have indicated they are closely monitoring the situation for any signs of broader public health implications.

The Hackman Tragedy

The deaths in California follow the shocking loss of Gene Hackman and his wife earlier this year. Arakawa was found dead on the bathroom floor of their Santa Fe home in February, with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome identified as the cause. Hackman, who was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, died approximately one week later from cardiovascular disease. Medical expert Greg Mertz described the disease’s progression as “pretty horrific,” highlighting the rapid deterioration victims experience once infected.

Authorities continue investigating all aspects of these cases, including examining cellphones and conducting a necropsy on one of the Hackmans’ dogs. The couple’s death shocked the Santa Fe community, where they lived relatively private lives despite Hackman’s fame. Meanwhile, attorneys for Hackman’s estate have taken legal steps “to protect Gene and Betsy’s property, including photographs and videos of their dead bodies” from potential public disclosure, respecting the couple’s lifelong commitment to privacy.