A medical investigation into the tragic passing of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman has uncovered that he likely died just one week after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, succumbed to hantavirus. This distressing news was reported by Variety.
The case, initially deemed “suspicious” in a search warrant issued late last month, has been further elucidated by New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator Chief Medical Examiner Heather Jarrell. She confirmed that Hackman, aged 95, passed away due to cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease also contributing to his demise.
Betsy Arakawa, aged 65, is believed to have died 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,” transmitted primarily 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 communicated with a massage therapist that same day. Hackman's pacemaker recorded its last activity on February 17, indicating he died one week after Arakawa. The couple, along with their deceased dog, were found in separate rooms of their home, with no evidence of a gas leak and subsequent autopsies showing negative results for carbon monoxide.
The news of Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths, which spread on February 27, sent shockwaves through the film community. Hackman, renowned for his illustrious career, won two Oscars and starred in iconic films such as Superman, The French Connection, Unforgiven, and numerous others. He retired from acting in 2004, as disclosed to Empire, following his doctor's advice to avoid stressing his heart.
To delve deeper into Hackman’s remarkable filmography, explore our list of his 20 best films.
