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, according to Variety.

An update on the passing of the couple, initially deemed “suspicious” in a search warrant issued late last month, comes from New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator Chief Medical Examiner Heather Jarrell. Jarrell reports 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 her and Hackman’s bodies were discovered in their New Mexico home. The CDC describes hantavirus as a family of viruses capable of causing severe illnesses and death, primarily spread by rodents such as mice and rats.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza, in a recent news conference, 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, 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 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's illustrious career included two Oscars and roles in iconic films such as Superman, The French Connection, Unforgiven, and many others. He retired from the film industry in 2004, a decision influenced by his doctor's advice to avoid putting too much strain on his heart, as he told Empire.

For a deeper dive into Hackman’s cinematic legacy, you can explore our list of his 20 best films.