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 couple's passing, which was deemed "suspicious" in a search warrant 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 that can cause severe illnesses and death, primarily spread by rodents such as mice and rats.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza shared in a recent news conference 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 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, 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 putting too much stress on his heart, as he told Empire.

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