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, as reported by Variety.

An update regarding the passing of the couple, which was deemed “suspicious” in a search warrant late last month, comes from New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator Chief Medical Examiner Heather Jarrell. She states that Hackman, aged 95, died of cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s also contributing to his passing.

It is believed that Arakawa, aged 65, died 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 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 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, and subsequent autopsies tested negative for carbon monoxide.

The news of Hackman and Arakawa’s passing shocked 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 more. He retired from the film industry in 2004, telling Empire that the decision was influenced by his doctor's advice to avoid putting too much stress on his heart.

For more on Hackman’s work, you can explore our list of his 20 best films.