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 regarding the passing of the couple, which was deemed “suspicious” in a search warrant late last month, comes from New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator Chief Medical Examiner Heather Jarrell. Jarrell confirms that Hackman, aged 95, died of cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s also playing a role in his demise.

It is believed that Arakawa, 65, succumbed to hantavirus on February 11, 15 days before her and Hackman’s bodies were discovered in their New Mexico home. The CDC identifies hantavirus as a “family of viruses which can cause serious illnesses and death,” primarily spread by rodents like 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 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 sent shockwaves through the film community when it spread 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 stressing his heart, as he told Empire.

For those interested in exploring more of Hackman’s work, you can refer to our list of his 20 best films.