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. The case, initially deemed "suspicious" in a search warrant late last month, has been further detailed by New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator Chief Medical Examiner Heather Jarrell. According to Jarrell, Hackman, who was 95, died of cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s also contributing to his passing.

It is believed that Arakawa, aged 65, succumbed to hantavirus 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 that can cause severe illnesses and death, primarily spread by rodents such as mice and rats.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza provided updates in a recent news conference, noting 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 one deceased dog, were found in separate rooms with no signs of a gas leak; subsequent autopsies confirmed negative tests for carbon monoxide.

The news of Hackman and Arakawa’s passing, which spread on February 27, shocked the film community. Hackman's illustrious career included two Oscars and roles in iconic films such as Superman, The French Connection, Unforgiven, and many others. He retired from acting in 2004, as he told Empire, following his doctor's advice to avoid putting too much stress on his heart.

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