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 on the couple's passing, which was initially considered "suspicious" according to a search warrant issued late last month, comes from Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Examiner at the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. Jarrell confirmed that Hackman, aged 95, died due to 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 and Hackman's bodies were discovered in their New Mexico home. The CDC describes hantavirus as a severe illness-causing virus 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 also had a conversation with a massage therapist that same day. Hackman's pacemaker recorded its last activity on February 17, indicating he died a week after Arakawa. The couple, along with their deceased dog, were found in separate rooms with no evidence of a gas leak. Subsequent autopsies tested negative for carbon monoxide.

The film community was deeply saddened by the news of Hackman and Arakawa's deaths, which spread on February 27. Hackman, a celebrated actor, won two Oscars and starred 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 stressing his heart, as he shared with Empire.

For a deeper dive into Hackman’s illustrious career, explore our list of his 20 best films.