Virus That Killed Hackman’s Wife Claims Three More

The deadly hantavirus that claimed the life of Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy Arakawa has struck again, killing three more people in California, leaving health officials scrambling to understand how the rare disease is spreading.

Key Takeaways

Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in February 2024, with Hackman dying about a week later from heart disease complicated by Alzheimer’s.
Three additional fatal hantavirus cases have been reported in Mammoth Lakes, California, creating what officials call a “strikingly unusual” pattern of early-year infections.
Health authorities are particularly concerned because in at least one case, there was no evidence of rodent activity, raising questions about how the virus is being transmitted.
Hantavirus is typically spread through contact with infected rodent waste, with only 20-50 cases reported annually in the US, but carries a deadly one-third mortality rate.
Mono County has recorded the highest number of hantavirus cases in California since 1993, with 27 infections documented.

Mystery Surrounds Rare Virus Deaths

Public health officials in Mono County, California, have confirmed that three people in Mammoth Lakes have died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, the same rare virus that killed Betsy Arakawa, wife of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman. The cluster of cases has raised significant concerns among health authorities due to their unusual timing early in the year and unclear transmission patterns. The deadly virus, which has a one-third mortality rate, typically infects only 20 to 50 Americans annually and usually appears in late spring or summer.

Dr. Tom Boo, Mono County Public Health Officer, expressed serious concern about the unexpected timing and concentration of these fatal cases. “The occurrence of three cases in a short period has me worried, especially this early in the year,” Dr. Boo stated. Particularly troubling to investigators is that while one case was linked to rodent waste exposure, another showed no evidence of mouse activity, creating a mystery around how the infection was contracted.

🇺🇸 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

The Hackman Tragedy

The recent California deaths follow the shocking discovery of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa in their Santa Fe home in February 2024. Arakawa was found dead on the bathroom floor, while Hackman was discovered in a mudroom approximately a week later. Medical examiners determined that Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, while Hackman’s death resulted from cardiovascular disease complicated by advanced Alzheimer’s. The couple’s passing sent shockwaves through the Santa Fe community, where they lived relatively private lives.

“It’s a pretty horrific progression,” said Greg Mertz regarding the nature of hantavirus infection, which begins with flu-like symptoms before rapidly progressing to respiratory failure in severe cases.

Investigators noted that Arakawa was last seen in public on February 11, 2024, running errands including a visit to a CVS Pharmacy. A devoted dog owner, she regularly visited Gruda Veterinary Hospital. Robert Gruda confirmed this dedication, stating, “She was devoted to those dogs.” Authorities continue investigating the circumstances, including conducting a necropsy on one of the couple’s dogs and examining their cell phones for additional clues.

Public Health Response

Mono County has recorded 27 hantavirus cases since 1993, the highest number in California. The region appears particularly vulnerable to this disease, which is primarily transmitted through contact with feces, urine, or saliva from infected mice, often through inhaling contaminated air particles. What makes these recent cases particularly concerning to health officials is their “strikingly unusual” timing, as described by Mono County Public Health, since hantavirus infections typically occur in warmer months.

“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,” Dr. Boo explained regarding the most recent Mammoth Lakes fatality.

As health authorities work to understand these cases, the Hackman estate has taken legal action “to protect Gene and Betsy’s property, including photographs and videos of their dead bodies” from potential release to the public. Meanwhile, President Trump’s administration has directed federal health resources to assist local officials in investigating the unusual pattern of infections and developing preventative guidance for communities potentially at risk.