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, as reported by Variety.

An update on the couple's passing, initially deemed “suspicious” in a search warrant issued last month, has been provided by Heather Jarrell, the Chief Medical Examiner at the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. According to Jarrell, Hackman, aged 95, succumbed to cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s also contributing to his death.

It is believed that Arakawa, aged 65, passed away 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 which can cause serious 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 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 evidence of a gas leak. Subsequent autopsies tested negative for carbon monoxide.

The film community was shocked by the news of Hackman and Arakawa’s passing when it spread on February 27. Hackman, known for his roles in films like Superman, The French Connection, Unforgiven, and many others, won two Oscars during his illustrious career. He retired from filmmaking 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 look into Hackman’s cinematic contributions, explore our list of his 20 best films.