A medical investigation into the death of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman has revealed that he likely passed away one week after hantavirus claimed the life of his wife, Betsy Arakawa, according to Variety.
An update on the couple's passing, initially deemed “suspicious” in a search warrant late last month, comes from New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator Chief Medical Examiner Heather Jarrell. Jarrell reports that Hackman, aged 95, succumbed to cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s also contributing to his death.
It is believed that Arakawa, aged 65, died on February 11, 15 days before the discovery of their bodies in their New Mexico home. The CDC identifies hantavirus as a "family of viruses which can cause serious illnesses and death," primarily spread by rodents such as mice and rats.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza shared in a recent news conference that security camera footage showed Arakawa visiting a local Sprouts market and CVS on the day of her death. She also had a conversation with a massage therapist that same day. Hackman’s pacemaker recorded its last activity on February 17, indicating he died one week after Arakawa. The couple, along with one deceased dog, were found in separate rooms with no evidence of a gas leak. Subsequent autopsies tested negative for carbon monoxide.
The news of Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths stunned the film community when it spread on February 27. Hackman, celebrated for his roles in films like Superman, The French Connection, Unforgiven, and many others, won two Oscars during his illustrious career. He retired from acting in 2004, a decision influenced by his doctor's advice to avoid putting too much stress on his heart, as he told Empire.
For a deeper dive into Hackman’s cinematic achievements, explore our list of his 20 best films.
