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 investigation into the couple's passing, which was initially deemed “suspicious” in a search warrant issued late last month, has been updated by New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator Chief Medical Examiner Heather Jarrell. According to Jarrell, Hackman, aged 95, succumbed to cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s also contributing to his demise.
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,” primarily spread by rodents like mice and rats.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza, in a recent news conference, disclosed 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 evidence of a gas leak; 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, renowned for winning two Oscars and starring in iconic films such as Superman, The French Connection, Unforgiven, and many others, retired from acting in 2004. He cited health reasons for his retirement, mentioning in an interview with Empire that his doctor advised him to avoid putting too much stress on his heart.
For those interested in exploring more of Hackman’s illustrious career, you can view our list of his 20 best films.
