Two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman may not have known his wife Betsy had passed away due to his own severe illness, a spokesperson has revealed.

Hollywood actor Gene Hackman may not have been aware that his wife, Betsy Hackman, had passed away due to his own severe illness.

Hackman, who died on February 18, 2025, was seriously unwell at the time, which might have affected his awareness of his surroundings.

A spokesperson provided details on the circumstances surrounding the deaths of both Gene and Betsy, explaining that it is reasonable to conclude that Betsy died on February 11, 2025, as she was last seen alive on that day.

The cause of Betsy’s death was later identified as Hantavirus infection, which was contracted from exposure to mouse excrement. The illness is known for its flu-like symptoms, which can progress to severe respiratory failure and heart problems.

Gene Hackman may not have been aware that his wife, Betsy Hackman, had passed away due to his own severe illness
Gene Hackman may not have been aware that his wife, Betsy Hackman, had passed away due to his own severe illness

“Based on this information, it is reasonable to conclude that Mr. Hackman probably died around February 18,” the spokesperson said. 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, aged 95, died 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.