Tragic Deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Hackman: Hantavirus and Heart Disease

The Investigation Unfolds

On February 26, 2025, the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office made a grim discovery at the residence of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy. The couple, along with their dog Zena, were found deceased, sparking an investigation that would capture national attention. Sheriff Adan Mendoza, leading the press conference, provided a comprehensive overview of the case, shedding light on the timeline and circumstances surrounding these tragic deaths.

Initial Findings and Tests

The investigation began with thorough testing of the premises:

• Both individuals tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning
• The Santa Fe City Fire Department deemed the residence safe for deputies to investigate
• New Mexico Gas Company analyzed the residence, finding only a minor leak in a kitchen stove burner, which was deemed insignificant

Timeline of Events

The investigation pieced together a timeline of Betsy Hackman's last known activities:

• February 9, 2025: Betsy picked up Zena from Gruda Veterinary Hospital after a procedure
• February 11, 2025:
  • 11:21 AM: Email conversation with her massage therapist
  • 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM: Visited Sprouts Farmers Market
  • 4:12 PM - 4:20 PM: Seen on surveillance at CVS Pharmacy in Santa Fe
  • 4:54 PM: Stopped at a local pet food store
  • 5:15 PM: Entered the gated community where their residence was located

After February 11, there was no additional outgoing communication or known activity from Betsy Hackman. The investigation revealed numerous unopened emails on her computer from that date onward.

Medical Examiner's Findings

Dr. Heather Gerald, Chief Medical Examiner for New Mexico, performed the autopsy on Gene Hackman, while Dr. Daniel Gyo conducted the examination on Betsy Hackman. Their findings were crucial in understanding the cause of death for both individuals.

Betsy Hackman's Cause of Death

Betsy Hackman, aged 65, died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. Key points from her autopsy include:

• No signs of trauma, internally or externally
• Positive test for Hantavirus
• Negative tests for COVID-19, influenza, and other common respiratory viruses
• Negative for carbon monoxide poisoning
• No other significant natural disease findings

Gene Hackman's Cause of Death

Gene Hackman, aged 95, died from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease as a significant contributing factor. His autopsy revealed:

• No acute findings of internal or external trauma
• Severe heart disease, including evidence of previous heart attacks and surgical procedures
• Advanced Alzheimer's disease
• Negative tests for COVID-19, influenza, other common respiratory viruses, and Hantavirus
• Negative for carbon monoxide poisoning

Determining Time of Death

Dr. Gerald emphasized that there is no reliable scientific method to determine the exact time or date of death. However, based on the available evidence:

• Gene Hackman's pacemaker data showed cardiac activity on February 17th
• The last record of heart activity was an abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation on February 18th
• It's reasonable to conclude that Gene Hackman likely died around February 18th
• Betsy Hackman is believed to have passed away first, with February 11th being the last time she was known to be alive

Understanding Hantavirus

Dr. Aaron Fips, New Mexico State Public Health Veterinarian, provided crucial information about Hantavirus in New Mexico:

• Hantaviruses are zoonotic, transmitted from animals (primarily rodents) to humans
• The Sin Nombre virus, found in New Mexico, is primarily carried by deer mice
• Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is rare but serious, with 1-7 confirmed cases annually in New Mexico
• Over the past 50 years, 136 infections have been identified in New Mexico residents, with 5 in Santa Fe County
• The mortality rate for Hantavirus infections in New Mexico is 42%

Hantavirus Transmission and Prevention

Hantavirus can be transmitted through rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. To prevent infection:

• Use gloves and a fitting N95 mask when cleaning rodent-infested areas
• Ventilate the area for at least 30 minutes before cleaning
• Use a 10% bleach solution or commercial disinfectant
• Never sweep or vacuum mouse droppings
• Wash hands thoroughly after cleaning

Ongoing Investigation and Unanswered Questions

While the press conference provided significant clarity on the case, some questions remain:

• Cell phone data is still pending analysis
• The necropsy results for Zena, the deceased dog, are awaited
• It's unclear if Gene Hackman was aware of his wife's death or attempted to seek help

Public Health Implications

The New Mexico Department of Health conducted a risk assessment of the Hackman property on March 5th. They found:

• The risk of exposure in the primary residence was low
• Signs of rodent entry were identified in other structures on the property

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of rodent control and proper cleaning procedures in areas where Hantavirus is present.

Conclusion

The deaths of Gene and Betsy Hackman have brought attention to the risks of Hantavirus and the challenges faced by elderly individuals with health conditions. While many questions have been answered, the investigation continues to tie up loose ends.

The New Mexico Department of Health emphasizes that awareness of Hantavirus risks and prevention methods is crucial for all New Mexico residents. As the community mourns the loss of the Hackmans, their case serves as a somber reminder of the importance of public health vigilance and proper home maintenance in rodent-prone areas.

As we reflect on this tragedy, it's clear that the intersection of age, pre-existing conditions, and environmental factors can create complex and heartbreaking situations. The Hackman case underscores the need for regular check-ins on elderly family members and neighbors, especially those living in more isolated areas.

Moving forward, public health officials may use this case to further educate the public about the signs and symptoms of Hantavirus, as well as the importance of seeking medical attention promptly when feeling unwell. The legacy of Gene and Betsy Hackman may well be a renewed focus on senior care and infectious disease prevention in New Mexico and beyond.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIcNMLepWuk