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 uncovered that he likely died one week after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, succumbed to hantavirus. This information comes via Variety. The case, initially labeled as “suspicious” in a late last month search warrant, has been further clarified by New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator Chief Medical Examiner Heather Jarrell. She confirmed that Hackman, aged 95, passed away due to cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease also contributing to his death.

Betsy Arakawa, aged 65, is believed to have died on February 11, 15 days before the discovery of her and Hackman's bodies in their New Mexico residence. According to the CDC, hantavirus is a family of viruses known to cause severe illnesses and even death. It is typically transmitted by rodents, including mice and rats.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza provided further details in a recent news conference, noting that security camera footage showed Arakawa visiting a local Sprouts market and CVS on the day she died. She also had a conversation with a massage therapist that day. Hackman's pacemaker recorded its last event on February 17, indicating he passed away a week after Arakawa. The couple, along with their deceased dog, were found in different rooms of their home, with no evidence of a gas leak. Subsequent autopsies confirmed negative results for carbon monoxide.

The news of Hackman and Arakawa's deaths, which spread on February 27, sent shockwaves through the film community. Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, starred in iconic 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 stress on his heart, as he revealed to Empire.

For a deeper look into Hackman's illustrious career, you can explore our list of his 20 best films.