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, previously deemed "suspicious" in a late last month's search warrant, has been provided by New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator Chief Medical Examiner Heather Jarrell. 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 the discovery of her and Hackman's bodies in their New Mexico home. The CDC identifies hantavirus as a severe illness-causing virus spread primarily by rodents like mice and rats.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza shared in a recent news conference that security 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 day. Hackman's pacemaker recorded its last activity on February 17, indicating he died a week after Arakawa. The couple, along with their deceased dog, were found in separate rooms with no evidence of a gas leak; subsequent autopsies confirmed negative results for carbon monoxide.
The news of Hackman and Arakawa's passing, which spread on February 27, sent shockwaves through the film community. Hackman, celebrated 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 more insights into Hackman's cinematic contributions, explore our list of his 20 best films.
