Gene Hackman Died One Week After His Wife Betsy Arakawa, Medical Investigation Reveals

A medical investigation into the death of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman reveals he likely died a week after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, succumbed to hantavirus. This information comes from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator Chief Medical Examiner Heather Jarrell (via Variety). The 95-year-old Hackman died of cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease contributing to his passing.

Arakawa, 65, is believed to have died on February 11th, fifteen days before the couple's bodies were discovered in their New Mexico home. The CDC classifies hantavirus as a family of viruses capable of causing severe illness and death, primarily spread through rodents.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated in a press conference that security footage shows Arakawa visiting a local Sprouts market and CVS on the day of her death, and also speaking with a massage therapist. Hackman's pacemaker registered its final event on February 17th, indicating his death occurred a week after Arakawa's. Both, along with a deceased dog, were found in separate rooms. Investigations ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning and gas leaks.

News of their deaths, which initially sparked suspicion, broke on February 27th, shocking the film community. Hackman's illustrious career included two Oscars and roles in iconic films like Superman, The French Connection, and Unforgiven. He retired from acting in 2004, citing his doctor's advice to avoid stressing his heart (Empire).

For a retrospective on Hackman's remarkable filmography, explore our list of his 20 best films.