Gene Hackman's Death Follows Wife's by One Week, Medical Probe Finds

A medical investigation into the tragic 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 a report by Variety.

An update on the passing of the couple, which was deemed "suspicious" in a search warrant issued late last month, comes from New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator Chief Medical Examiner Heather Jarrell. Jarrell confirmed that Hackman, aged 95, died of cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's also playing a role in his death.

It is believed that Arakawa, aged 65, succumbed to hantavirus on February 11, 15 days before her and Hackman's bodies were discovered in their New Mexico home. The CDC describes hantavirus as a "family of viruses which can cause serious illnesses and death." This virus is primarily spread by rodents, such as mice and rats.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza shared at 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 spoke with a massage therapist that same day. Hackman’s pacemaker recorded its final event on February 17, indicating he died one week after Arakawa. The couple, along with one deceased dog, were found in separate rooms with no signs of a gas leak. Subsequent autopsies showed negative results for carbon monoxide poisoning.

The news of Hackman and Arakawa's passing sent shockwaves through the film community when it spread on February 27. Hackman's illustrious career included winning two Oscars and starring in iconic films such as Superman, The French Connection, Unforgiven, and many others. He retired from acting in 2004, following advice from his doctor to avoid putting too much stress on his heart, as he revealed in an interview with Empire.

For a deeper dive into Hackman’s remarkable work, you can explore our list of his 20 best films.