Betsy Arakawa Searched Symptoms Before Hantavirus Death

Betsy Arakawa, the wife of actor Gene Hackman, was actively searching online for information about flu-like symptoms just days before her death from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in February. Records released by New Mexico authorities revealed her concerns included inquiries about COVID-19 symptoms, with searches showing she was looking for answers about dizziness and nosebleeds. On February 11, she noted her husband had flu-like symptoms, but his COVID test was negative, prompting her to cancel a massage appointment out of caution. Arakawa ordered oxygen canisters for respiratory support and made a final search for a healthcare provider on February 12, the day she died. Gene Hackman, who lived alone for nearly a week after her passing, died shortly afterward from heart disease and complications related to Alzheimer’s. An environmental assessment found their property was infested with rodents, an indication of potential hantavirus exposure.