In the quiet town of Santa Fe, New Mexico, a sad story unfolded. Gene Hackman, a famous actor, and his wife Betsy Arakawa lived a peaceful life. They enjoyed simple pleasures like painting, community events, and bike rides. However, their peaceful life took a tragic turn in February 2023.

        Betsy was last seen running errands around town. She visited a grocery store, a pharmacy, and a pet store. She even sent an email to her massage therapist. But two days later, on February 11, she passed away from hantavirus. This virus is rare but deadly, spread by rodents. Betsy likely caught it from rodent droppings or saliva.

        Gene, who was 95 and suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and heart problems, was alone in their home. He lived there for several more days before passing away on February 18. His body was found with a walking cane and a pair of sunglasses nearby. It is believed that his advanced Alzheimer’s disease may have prevented him from realizing his wife had passed away.

        The couple's bodies were discovered on February 26 by maintenance workers. They saw two motionless bodies through a window and called 911. The positioning of the bodies suggested they may have fallen suddenly. A dog was also found dead inside the home, but the cause of its death is unknown.

        Hantavirus is a serious condition with a high mortality rate. It can be contracted by breathing in contaminated air or touching infected objects. The deer mouse is the most common carrier of this virus in the U. S. New Mexico has seen between one to seven cases annually in the last five years. The couple's home had a low risk of exposure, but there were signs of rodents in other structures on the property.

        Gene Hackman's health had been declining. He had significant heart disease and advanced Alzheimer’s disease. His brain showed signs of chronic high blood pressure. It is believed that his heart disease ultimately led to his death.

        The tragic events in Santa Fe raise questions about the dangers of hantavirus and the challenges of caring for loved ones with serious health conditions. It is a reminder of the importance of being aware of the risks in our environment and taking steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

A Quiet Life Ends Tragically

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