Gene Hackman's Death Follows Wife's by One Week, Medical Probe Finds

A medical investigation into the tragic 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.

New details surrounding the couple's passing, initially deemed “suspicious” in a late last month search warrant, have been provided by Heather Jarrell, 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, 65, died on February 11, 15 days before their 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.

In a recent news conference, Sheriff Adan Mendoza disclosed that security camera footage showed Arakawa visiting a local Sprouts market and CVS on the day of her death. She also had a conversation 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 sent shockwaves through the film community when it spread on February 27. Throughout his illustrious career, Hackman won two Oscars and starred in iconic films such as Superman, The French Connection, Unforgiven, and many others. He retired from acting in 2004, following advice from his doctor to avoid putting too much stress on his heart, as he shared with Empire.

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