Gene Hackman's Death Follows Wife's by One Week, Medical Probe Reveals

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" in a search warrant issued late last month, comes from Heather Jarrell, the Chief Medical Examiner at the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. Jarrell confirmed that Hackman, aged 95, died of 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 their bodies were discovered in their New Mexico home. According to the CDC, hantavirus is a family of viruses that can cause severe illness and death, primarily spread by rodents like mice and rats.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza shared 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 had also spoken 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 their deceased dog, were found in separate rooms of their home, with no signs of a gas leak. Subsequent autopsies tested negative for carbon monoxide.

The news of Hackman and Arakawa’s passing sent shockwaves through the film community when it broke on February 27. Hackman, celebrated for his roles in films such as 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 putting too much stress on his heart, as he shared with Empire.

For those interested in exploring more of Hackman’s cinematic legacy, you can check out our list of his 20 best films.