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.
The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, led by Chief Medical Examiner Heather Jarrell, has provided an update on the couple's passing, which was previously deemed "suspicious" in a search warrant. The investigation concluded that Hackman, aged 95, died of cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s also contributing to his death.
According to the report, Arakawa, aged 65, succumbed to hantavirus on February 11, 15 days before their bodies were discovered in their New Mexico home. The CDC describes hantavirus as a family of viruses that can cause severe illness and death, 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 day. Hackman’s pacemaker recorded its last event on February 17, indicating he died one week after Arakawa. The couple, along with their deceased dog, were found in separate rooms with no evidence of a gas leak, and subsequent autopsies tested negative for carbon monoxide.
The film community was shocked by the news of Hackman and Arakawa’s passing when it spread on February 27. Hackman, known 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 stressing his heart, as he told Empire.
To explore more of Hackman’s work, you can view our list of his 20 best films.
