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 shed light on the circumstances surrounding his passing, revealing that he likely died one week after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, succumbed to hantavirus. According to a report from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, Chief Medical Examiner Heather Jarrell confirmed that Hackman, aged 95, passed away due to cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's also contributing to his demise. This tragic news comes after the couple's deaths were initially deemed "suspicious" in a search warrant issued late last month, as reported by Variety.

Betsy Arakawa, aged 65, is believed to have died on February 11, 15 days before the couple's bodies were discovered in their New Mexico home. The CDC notes that hantavirus, a family of viruses spread primarily by rodents such as mice and rats, can cause severe illnesses and death. 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, and 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 evidence of a gas leak, and subsequent autopsies tested negative for carbon monoxide.

The film community was deeply shaken by the news of Hackman and Arakawa's passing, which spread on February 27. Hackman, celebrated for his roles in iconic films such as Superman, The French Connection, and Unforgiven, 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 contributions, you can view our list of his 20 best films.