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, 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 states that Hackman, aged 95, died of cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s also playing a role in his passing.
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. According to the CDC, hantavirus is 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 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; subsequent autopsies tested negative for carbon monoxide.
The news of Hackman and Arakawa’s passing stunned the film community when it spread on February 27. Hackman’s illustrious career included winning two Oscars and starring in films such as Superman, The French Connection, Unforgiven, and many more. He retired from the film industry in 2004, citing health reasons after his doctor advised him against putting too much stress on his heart, as he told Empire.
For more on Hackman’s remarkable career, you can explore our list of his 20 best films.
