Category Entertainment News

Health experts have revealed five key signs of the flu-like Hantavirus after Gene Hackman’s wife died from the infectious disease.

US officials revealed today that iconic actor Gene Hackman, 95, likely died around February 18 after his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, is believed to have died on February 11 from the rare disease. The pair were found at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 26, alongside their dog.

The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator said Arakawa died from the hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Hackman suffered from advanced Alzheimer’s disease and died from a heart condition. It is likely he did not know that his wife had died.

Authorities initially ruled out foul play after the bodies were discovered February 26. Immediate tests for carbon monoxide poisoning were negative.

According to the US-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the hantavirus is a family of viruses that can cause serious illness and even death. They are spread mainly by rodents and are not spread from person-to-person.

Symptoms of hantavirus include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches, especially in the thighs, hips, back, and shoulders
• Headache
• Dizziness

Four to 10 days following the initial phase of the illness, the late symptoms of hantavirus appear. The symptoms include coughing and shortness of breath.

The disease can be deadly. An estimated 38 per cent of people who develop respiratory symptoms may die from the disease.

There are ways people can reduce the risk they have from contracting hantavirus. This includes eliminating or minimizing contact with rodents in your home, workplace or campsite to reduce the risk of getting the virus.

The CDC said diagnosing hantavirus is difficult to do when a person has been infected for less than 72 hours. The initial test is dome before the virus can be found and repeat testing is often done about 72 hours after symptoms start.

A medical expert has confirmed Gene Hackman’s wife died days before her actor husband, revealing her cause of death.

The cause of death for Betsy Arakawa was confirmed to have been from hantavirus, pulmonary syndrome. A medical examiner revealed in the latest press conference that the manner of death was “natural”.

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that are carried by rodents and can cause serious illness and death in humans, according to US Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.

Hollywood legend Gene, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26. Their dog was also discovered deceased at the scene.

Now, Dr Heather Jarrell has revealed it is probable Betsy died first, with a date of around February 11 confirmed. Gene is thought to have died a number of days later on around February 18, findings have discovered. The chief medical examiner from New Mexico at the office of the medical investigator performed autopsies on the pair and revealed her findings in a press conference on Friday.

Confirming Betsy’s death as “natural”, she stated the cause was hantavirus and pulmonary syndrome. Symptoms of hantavirus include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, especially in the thighs, hips, back, and shoulders, headache and dizziness.

Dr Jarrell explained that no trace of COVID 19 or influenza was found within Betsy. She added: “Testing for carbon monoxide was negative. There were no other significant natural disease findings. Pills present on scene, or thyroid medication, which were being taken as prescribed and is not currently a concern for a contributory cause of death”.

She also said of Gene’s death: “The cause of death for Mr. Gene Hackman, aged 95 years, is hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor”. When explaining the times of their deaths, she said: “Mr. Hackman’s initial pacemaker data revealed cardiac activity on February 17, subsequent pacemaker interrogation demonstrating an abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation on February 18, which was the last record of heart activity.

” Based on this information, it is reasonable to conclude that Mr. Hackman probably died around February 18, based on the circumstances, it is reasonable to conclude that Ms Hackman passed away first February, 11, being the last time that she was not to be alive last week. “However, she did state:” There is no reliable scientific method to accurately determine the exact time or date of death. “

Gene and Betsy’s cause of deaths being confirmed comes just days on from Morgan Freeman’s heartbreaking tribute to Gene at the Academy Awards on Sunday night. Oscar winner Morgan Freeman paid tribute to his late friend saying he was a” generous performer “who had” won the hearts of film lovers around the world”.

Taking to the stage at the 97th Oscars, ahead of the In Memoriam segment, Morgan, 87, said” this week our community lost a giant and I lost a dear friend”. He added:” I had the pleasure of working with Gene on two films, Unforgiven and Under Suspicion, and like everyone who ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer and a man whose gifts elevated everyone’s work.

“He received two Oscars, but more importantly, he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world. Gene always said, ‘ I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work’. So I think I speak for us all when I say, Gene, you’ll be remembered for that and for so much more. Rest in peace, my friend”.

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Late actor Gene Hackman was living with advanced Alzheimer’s disease before dying a week on from his wife.

It has been confirmed that the award-winning actor’s wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, passed away several days before her husband last month, with it revealed that Gene died in poor health with no food in his stomach.

A press conference was held earlier tonight (Friday afternoon, US time) regarding the tragic and mysterious deaths of Hollywood legend Gene and his wife, Betsy. The late couple’s respective cause of deaths were confirmed alongside a number of other heartbreaking details.

Gene and Betsy, who were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26, 2025, left many unanswered questions surrounding the circumstances of their passing. Authorities provided an update on the ongoing investigation.

Two-time Oscar winner Gene died heart disease a week after his wife Betsy died of a rare infectious disease at their home, a pathologist said this evening. Dr Heather Jarrell, chief medical examiner for New Mexico, told the press conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico, US, it was “reasonable to conclude” that Ms Arakawa, also known as Betsy Hackman, 65, died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome on February 11 at the couple’s home in Santa Fe.

Gene, aged 95, died a week later on February 18 of “hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor”, the expert said. It’s thought Gene could have been alive for a week with his late wife’s body in the house alongside him.

Dr Heather Jarrell said at the press conference: “Gene Hackman aged 95 years is hypertensive and cardiovascular disease with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor autopsy examination and a full body post-mortem CT examination demonstrated no acute findings of internal or external trauma.

” It showed severe heart disease, including multiple surgical procedures involving the heart, evidence of prior heart attacks, and severe changes of the kidneys due to chronic high blood pressure. Examination of the brain showed advance Alzheimer’s disease, as well as blood vessel changes in the brain, secondary to chronic high blood pressure.

“Laboratory testing, performed at scientific laboratory division was negative for COVID-19 influenza and other common respiratory viruses, testing for Huntirus was negative testing for carbon monoxide was negative. Additionally, there were no autopsy findings concerning for Hontavirus infection”.

She added: “I have been asked when death occurred for these individuals. There is no reliable scientific method to accurately determine the exact time or date of death. Mr. Hackman’s initial pacemaker data revealed cardiac activity on February 17. With subsequent pacemaker interrogation demonstrating an abnormal rhythm of aterial fibrillation on February 18, which was the last record of heart activity based on this information. it is reasonable to conclude that Mr. Hackman probably died around February 18”.

The press conference also revealed that Betsy Hackman passed away on February 11, 2025. She died from complications related to Hantavirus, which is transmitted through exposure to mouse excrement. The spokesperson added: “Based on the circumstances, it is reasonable to conclude that Ms Hackman passed away, first with February 11 being the last time that she was known to be alive. Lastly, clinically, Hantavirus infection is characterized by flu like symptoms consisting of fever, muscle aches, cough, sometimes vomiting and diarrhea that can progress to shortness of breath and cardiac or heart failure and lung failure.

” This occurs after a one to eight week exposure to excrement from a primarily particular mouse species that carries Hantavirus. The mortality of hantavirus, excuse me, the mortality rate of the Hantavirus strain in the Southwest is about 38 to 50% the Hantavirus strains in the United States are not transmissible from person to person, and so this is an appropriate time to segue to Dr Aaron Phipps, the state Public Health veterinarian with the New Mexico Department of Health. But before I do so, I’d like to kindly ask for everyone to please respect the privacy that Mr. Jean Hackman, Miss Betsy Hackman and their family and friends deserve. Thank you. “

Gene and Betsy was found dead, along with their dog, in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home under puzzling circumstances, and authorities are expected to reveal further details on the investigation. Gene, 95, known for his iconic roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, and Hoosiers, was found alongside his wife of over 30 years, Betsy, 65, and one of their dogs.

Their bodies were discovered after a maintenance worker requested a wellness check, after seeing the pair unresponsive in their home. Initial reports indicated no external signs of foul play, but the cause of their deaths remained unclear until the press confrence this evening.

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The cause of deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been revealed.

On Friday, authorities in New Mexico revealed the cause of death of both the Hollywood legend and his wife – who he had been married to since 1991. Dr Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Examiner for New Mexico at the office of the Medical Investigator, shared the medical insights to the deaths.

In a details-filled press conference, Dr Jarrell explained that Betsy most likely died first, while Gene had died a week later – with his pacemaker recording information on February 18. The last known activities of Betsy were determined to take place on February 11 when she was last seen alive.

The medical expert revealed: “The cause of death for Miss Betsy Hackman, aged 65 years, is hantavirus, pulmonary syndrome. The manner of death is natural, autopsy, examination and full body post mortem, CT demonstrated no findings of trauma, internally or externally, with microscopic findings consistent with Coronavirus pulmonary syndrome”.

Dr Jarrell explained that no trace of COVID 19 or influenza was found within Betsy. She added: “Testing for carbon monoxide was negative. There were no other significant natural disease findings. Pills present on scene, or thyroid medication, which were being taken as prescribed and is not currently a concern for a contributory cause of death”.

The authorities went on to explain that hantavirus can be transmitted by rats and that warnings were issued to those entering the property to reduce the risk of others becoming infected. It was explained: “We did identify signs of rodent entry and other structures on the property and provided information and resources mission related to those areas. Hantavirus can be transmitted to people through rodent urine, droppings or saliva, so it is important to take special steps when cleaning up after vermin, avoiding contact with or breathing in aerosolised rodent urine or faeces, especially in a poorly ventilated area, is key”.

Attention then turned to the death of Gene, with Dr Jarrell revealing that there were several causes of his death – but adding it could not be confirmed that heart failure had occurred. She also revealed that the star had battled Alzheimer’s disease ahead of his death.

Dr Jarrell explained: “The cause of death for Mr. Gene Hackman, 95 years, is hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor. Autopsy examination and a full body post mortem CT examination demonstrated no acute findings of internal or external trauma, and showed severe heart disease, including multiple surgical procedures involving the heart, evidence of prior heart attacks and severe changes of the kidneys due to chronic high blood pressure”.

She continued: “Examination of the brain showed advanced Alzheimer’s disease, as well as blood vessel changes in the brain secondary to chronic high blood pressure. Laboratory testing performed at scientific laboratories division was negative for COVID, 19, influenza and other common respiratory viruses. Testing for Hantavirus was negative. Testing for carbon monoxide was negative. Additionally, there were no autopsy findings concerning for Hantavirus infection”.

Earlier, a timeline of Betsy’s last known movements was uncovered, revealing she had emailed a massage therapist at approximately 11: 21am on 11 February and attended a local Farmers Market between 3: 30pm and 4: 15pm. She then visited a CVS Pharmacy in Santa Fe between 4: 12pm and 4: 20pm before then stopping at a local pet store at about 4: 54pm.

Police revealed CCTV footage showed her car returning home at 5: 15pm and that they discovered unopened emails dating from 11 February. Officers have petitioned phone companies to retrieve records of Gene and Betsy’s devices.

While the police did not specify an exact date of death of the musician, they noted that she had last been in public and active via email communication on 11 February. It was then revealed that Gene had died approximately a full week later – with the star’s pacemaker being a relatively reliable source of information.

Dr Jarrell revealed: “Mr. Hackman’s initial pacemaker data revealed cardiac activity on February 17, with subsequent pacemaker interrogation demonstrating an abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation on February 18, which was the last record of heart activity. Based on this information, it is reasonable to conclude that Mr. Hackman probably died around February 18”.

Insight was also shared into the death of a dog – whose body had also been found at the property last month. The couple’s pet, named Zinna, had been receiving treatment at a local veterinary practice and was retrieved by Betsy on the last day she was seen in public. Police surmised that the animal had undergone a procedure – with police stating: “]This] may explain why the dog was in a crate at the residence”.

Following the police statement, a member of the assembled press asked the authorities if it was possible Zinna had suffered from hantavirus too – however, Dr Jarrell firmly debunked the theory, stating that dogs cannot contract the disease.

Over the course of Friday’s update, an agonising timeline of Gene’s final days were laid out by the authorities. During a question and answer segment with members of the press, more details were revealed of what Gene’s final days could have been like.

Asked if he could have survived without his wife, Dr Jarrell said: “The answer to that question is that Mr. Hackman showed evidence of advanced Alzheimer’s disease. I’m not aware of what his normal daily functioning capability was. He was in a very poor state of health. He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately that is what resulted in his in his death”.

She added: “I was able to look at fluid to determine if he was dehydrated, and I did not see evidence of dehydration. I did see evidence of very poor kidney function, and I think he died as a result of his his heart disease, and with Alzheimer’s being that contributing factor”.

She was then asked if Gene could have been starved in the days leading up to his death. Dr Jarrell replied: “There was no food in his stomach, which means he had not eaten recently, but he had also no evidence of dehydration”.

Another reported asked if Gene’s Alzheimer’s could have been too unwell to be aware his wife had died. Dr Jarrell replied: “I think that question is difficult to answer, but I can tell you that he was in an advanced state of Alzheimer’s, and it’s quite possible that he was not aware that she was deceased”.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza was then asked if the fact Gene had been found beside a cane and glasses could be interpreted as evidence he was trying to reach his wife to help her. The Sheriff replied: “That’s hard to that’s hard to answer. Again, it’s hard to get into the frame of mind of what was happening at the time. And I don’t know if we’ll ever have the answer to that question, whether he was going to vote for help”.

Asked if it would be fair to conclude that Gene had died of a heart attack, Dr Jarrell said: “It is a little bit difficult to say. I saw no microscopic evidence of a recent heart attack. However, those changes can also take some time to develop, several hours to develop, so that I can see it under the microscope. He could have had an abnormal heart rhythm. We already know that he was in atrial fibrillation on the 18th. And that that could have evolved into a more terminal heart rhythm”.

Asked if he suffered heart failure, Dr Jarrell replied: “Often times we see fluid around the lungs in heart failure and congestion of the liver. I did not see that in his case. But he had very poor, or very extensive heart disease. So he would have been predisposed to abnormal heart rhythms and hence he had a pacemaker as well”.

Oscar-winning film star Hackman, 95, and his wife, 65, were found dead, along with one of their dogs, at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday 26th February, and police initially said there were no apparent signs of foul play.

The alarm had been raised by a maintenance person doing pest control at the property, who was concerned because he had not seen the couple, police said.

Hackman’s body was found in a mud room, and his wife was found next to a space heater in a bathroom, detectives said in the warrant. Hackman’s daughters Elizabeth and Leslie, and his granddaughter Annie, said they will miss the actor “sorely” and are “devastated by the loss”.

A statement to the PA news agency said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy. He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss”.

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Primark is stocking a pair of shoes that bear a striking resemblance to a pricier alternative. Known for its affordable fashion and homeware, the high street giant may have just introduced a new crowd-pleaser.

The retailer’s Point Toe Heeled Mules looks similar to a style by brand Paris Texas, but at a fraction of the cost. Shoppers can snag the Primark version for £14, while the designer version is priced at £475 online.

The heels are very similar, with a mirrored silver finish and pointed toe. They also both have a backless, slip on design.

However, the more expensive version has a slightly taller heel and a less pointed toe than Primark’s shoes. The front strap of the budget version is also slightly thicker.

The full Primark product description reads: “These silver point toe heeled mules are a great option for finalising party looks. The backless, slip-on design showcases smooth and polished uppers with a thick single strap for a slightly vintage feel, while they’re set atop slender heels for added height.

” Pointed toes feature to help elongate the style for a flattering look. You can pair these mules with a sheer shirt and classic jeans combo or slip into them as the final step in your LBD ensemble, either way they’ll look fabulous! “

The designer product description reads:” The Lidia mule in mirrored silver leather features a mid-height slender heel and open toe, making it a dawn-to-dark essential. “

The Primark shoes retail for £14, while the Paris Texas Lidia Mule 70 comes in at £475. This means shoppers could save around £461 by opting for the bargain version.

Customers can grab the Primark shoes, which also comes in black, in stores now. You can check availability at your nearest store or order Click and Collect here.

A friend of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, has claimed to know what happened to the pair the day they died.

The Hollywood star and his wife of more than 30 years were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. One of their dogs was also found deceased, while two others survived. An investigation continues. Forensic detail suggests the couple may have been dead for some time before being discovered.

Now, animal chiropractor Dr Sherry Gaber has claimed a certain bit of information could be key to the investigation. Gaber regularly treated the many dogs Hackman and his wife rescued, with their professional relationship said to have turned into a friendship.

She believes the claims the couple’s other two dogs Bear and Nikita were found near to the death scene, distressed but alive, while Zinna had been shut in a dog travel crate and reportedly died of dehydration and starvation is important.

She told Mail Online of her theory into the death. Speaking to the publication, she said she is sure neither Hackman of his wife would have deliberately taken any actions that might have harmed their pets. “They always wanted to do the right things for their animals because they loved them so deeply”, Gaber said. “So whatever happened was an accident”.

She admitted she thought it was a “Romeo and Juliet” type death at first until she heard about the dog’s passing. She continued: “The only thing I can think of is that they were taking things out of their car, going in and out of the house and then Gene’s pacemaker stopped. He fell over and then I think Zinna, who was very close to Gene, got agitated.

” Zinna had a very strong bond with Gene – some dogs respond more to male energy than female energy, so who knows how badly upset Zinna was, pawing him, licking his face and wanting him to get up. “It’s then that Gaber says his wife may have placed the animal in a crate.

The 12-year-old kelpie mix was said to be accustomed to being in her crate for travel, according to Gaber. And she questioned whether Betsy had her own incident after crating the dog”. Betsy’s dogs were her life, and she’d never have left Zinna, “she claimed.

Autopsies performed on Hackman and his wife showed no sign of external trauma. Initial theories that there may have been a gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning were also ruled out. Bodycam footage from from the ten deputies who arrived at the scene where Gene and his wife were found dead is set to be released.

Authorities aim to piece together a” fully rounded picture “and confirm they have not overlooked any vital information or detail that could be essential to solving the case. Additionally, officers are working to gain access to two mobile phones discovered at the scene. With an urgency to uncover more clues, law enforcement considers bringing in forensic specialists to unlock the phones found at the location. Unlocking these devices is said to be crucial for constructing the timeline surrounding the deaths of the couple.

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