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 passing of the couple, which was deemed “suspicious” in a search warrant issued late last month, has been provided by Heather Jarrell, the Chief Medical Examiner of the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. According to Jarrell, 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 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 such as mice and rats.

In a recent news conference, Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated 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, suggesting he died one week after Arakawa’s passing. The couple, along with one deceased dog, were found in separate rooms with no evidence of a gas leak, and 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, known 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, 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 cinematic contributions, you can view our list of his 20 best films.