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

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 a report by Variety.

An update on the passing of the couple, which was initially deemed "suspicious" in a search warrant issued late last month, has been provided by Heather Jarrell, the Chief Medical Examiner at the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. Jarrell states that Hackman, aged 95, died of cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s also contributing to his death.

It is believed that Arakawa, aged 65, succumbed to hantavirus on February 11, 15 days before her body and that of Hackman were discovered in their New Mexico home. The CDC describes 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 disclosed 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 had also spoken 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 evidence of a gas leak, and subsequent autopsies tested negative for carbon monoxide.

The news of Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths sent shockwaves through the film community when it spread on February 27. Hackman's illustrious career included winning two Oscars and starring in films such as Superman, The French Connection, Unforgiven, and many others. 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 those interested in exploring more of Hackman’s work, you can refer to our list of his 20 best films.