As Gene Hackman’s wife was apparently experiencing the symptoms of hantavirus, a rare, potentially deadly disease carried by rodents, she may have feared she had the flu or even COVID-19.
A review of Betsy Arakawa’s internet search history — in the days before her death in mid-February from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) — shows that she was looking for information on COVID-19 systems and breathing techniques, the Daily Mail reported Tuesday.
It’s believed that Arakawa, 65, died on or around Feb. 12 in the couple’s Santa Fe, New Mexico, home. Meanwhile, her 95-year-old husband was alone in the home for nearly a week before he collapsed and died from cardiovascular disease, with an “advanced” case of Alzheimer’s disease as a contributing factor.
Given that the longtime couple led a relatively private life in a sprawling property outside of Santa Fe, their bodies weren’t discovered until Feb. 26.
People magazine reported this week that the couple, married since 1991, were laid to rest recently. Hackman’s three children from his first marriage — son Christopher and daughters Elizabeth and Leslie — also held a small, private memorial service for “The French Connection” screen legend and his wife, a classical pianist.
This week, a report from the New Mexico Department of Health furthermore showed that the Hackmans’ property was infested with rodents, which are known to carry hantavirus, TMZ reported. Evidence of the rodents — including a dead rodent, a nest and droppings — were found in three garages, a vehicle, a shed and other outbuildings on their property, TMZ reported.
Arakawa and Hackman were seemingly aware of the infestation because traps had been set up around the property, TMZ said. But the report also showed “no signs” of infestation in the main residence.
People get hantavirus from exposure to infected rats, mice and other rodents, including when they are exposed to their urine, droppings or saliva, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Exposure can occur when people are cleaning up in buildings infested by rodents.
Since Akawara’s death, concerns have grown about the dangers of hantavirus, especially after three people recently died from the illness in the eastern Sierra town of Mammoth Lakes, TMZ said.
It appears that Arakawa didn’t immediately connect her symptoms to the rodent infestation around her property, according to the Daily Mail, citing a newly released report from sheriff’s investigators.
A review of the open bookmarks on Arakawa’s computer, between Feb. 8 and 12, showed that she had questions about whether COVID could cause dizziness or nosebleeds, the Daily Mail said.
Dizziness, fatigue, fever and muscle aches are common symptoms of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in the first four to 10 days of the illness, the CDC said. In the later stages of HPS, people may also begin to experience coughing, shortness of breath and a tightness in the chest as the lungs fill with fluid, the CDC said.
In an email Arakawa sent to her masseuse on Feb. 11, she mentioned that Hackman also had awakened in the morning with flu- or cold-like systems, the Daily Mail reported. She said that his COVID test was negative, but told her masseuse that she should reschedule her appointment “out of an abundance of caution.”
It’s believed that Arakawa died on or shortly after Feb 12. Her final search was that day for a health care provider in Santa Fe, the Daily Mail said. That day, she also called Hackman’s cardiologist about scheduling an echocardiogram for him. But the cardiologist said in an interview that Arakawa didn’t bring Hackman in for the appointment that day and they never heard from her again.
Four to 10 days after the initial phase of HPA the late symptoms appear, the CDC said. These symptoms include coughing and shortness of breath. Patients might experience tightness in the chest, as the lungs fill with fluid.
Once people begin to experience the respiratory symptoms of HPS, the disease can be deadly, the CDC said. About 38% of people who develop respiratory symptoms die.
Authorities believe that Hackman died on Feb. 17 or 18, based on the last known activity on his cardiac pacemaker.
Meanwhile, the body of the couple’s beloved 12-year-old dog Zinna also was found in the home. She was in a crate near the bathroom where Arakawa was found. Authorities said that Zinna had likely been placed in the crate for her health and safety while recovering from surgery. The Associated Press also reported that Zinna had apparently died of dehydration and starvation after Arakawa died. The couple’s two other dogs were found alive on the property.