Gene Hackman, Betsy Death Headline Slammed By Critics

The news that Gene Hackman, 95,  and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 64, passed away arrived in late February, and since then, lots of other news has arrived. But this week, a headline concerning Betsy’s death got slammed by many critics. Read on to find out why.

The Latest News Headline

On April 5, TMZ reported on a development after the news previously arrived that Betsy passed away from Hantavirus. That was questioned by a doctor who was scheduled to see her, but for now, it’s the accepted version of her unfortunate death. 

The headline of the story read, “Rare Hantavirus That Killed Gene Hackman’s Wife Kills Three More People.” In the article, the outlet  cited “the Mono County Health and Human Services Public Health Division.”

The article said, “…that few had heard of before it killed Gene Hackman’s wife,” noting that it “has killed more people … this time in California.” It also said that “Three victims in the town of Mammoth Lakes succumbed to [the virus].”

Why Did Critics Get Angry?

If you happen to live in Mammoth Lakes, it might be useful information to know that the rodent-borne respiratory disease is in the area. However, what seems to have angered folks is the suggestion that it is rare and that it can travel 943 miles from Sante Fe, Mexico, to Mammoth Lakes like an airborne virus.

When the news arrived on TMZ’s Instagram, plenty of folks vented about the headline. There, they clearly expressed their anger and why they felt irritated by the story. One of them wrote, “Hantavirus has been around since the ‘80’s. We live in New Mexico and have hantavirus cases annually. It has just become popular because a Hollywood actor dies. No need to panic.”

Here are a few more comments:

• Hantavirus isn’t new or rare. It’s found in the homeless population, farms and people who live in hoarder conditions ever so often.
• I lived in New Mexico for years and everyone was aware of it and how to take precautions. It’s only “rare” to people who’ve never lived with it.
• It is not rare if there are rodents in your house. I guess that property was not clean if she did not have any help. Very sorry situation.
• It’s Hantavirus season already? But I still have my Bird Flu decorations up.

People Become Tired Of Fearmongering?

Many critics believe that any sort of illness gets blown out of proportion these days. Actually, it seems to have spawned since the coronavirus pandemic. Not only do they get bored with minor outbreaks becoming headline news around the world, but many of them grow skeptical. 

Of course, the death of Gene and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, was a tragic event. However, opinions seem focused on the fact that many people do know about Hantavirus and the feeling that the word and the actor’s association are sensationalist. 

There is some danger because if there is a serious life-threating pandemic in the future, many people might not take it seriously. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below, and come back here often for all your celebrity news and updates.