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 deemed "suspicious" in a search warrant issued late last month, comes from Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Examiner at the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. Jarrell states that Hackman, aged 95, succumbed to cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s also contributing to his death.

It is believed that Arakawa, aged 65, died on February 11, 15 days before their 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 revealed 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 evidence of a gas leak. Subsequent autopsies showed negative results for carbon monoxide.

The news of Hackman and Arakawa's passing sent shockwaves through the film community when it spread on February 27. Hackman, celebrated 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, as he disclosed to Empire, following his doctor's advice to avoid putting undue stress on his heart.

For a deeper dive into Hackman’s cinematic legacy, you can explore our list of his 20 best films.