A medical investigation into the death of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman reveals he likely died of cardiovascular disease, complicated by Alzheimer's, one week after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, succumbed to hantavirus. This update from New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator Chief Medical Examiner Heather Jarrell clarifies the circumstances surrounding the couple's deaths, which were initially deemed suspicious. Hackman, 95, passed away, while Arakawa, 65, is believed to have died on February 11th, fifteen days before their bodies were discovered in their New Mexico home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes hantavirus as a potentially fatal illness spread primarily by rodents.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza reported 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 recorded its final event on February 17th, suggesting his death occurred a week after his wife's. Both were found in separate rooms, along with a deceased dog, with no evidence of a gas leak; autopsies ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning.
The news of their deaths, which broke on February 27th, shocked the film community. Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, starred in iconic films such as Superman, The French Connection, and Unforgiven. He retired from acting in 2004, citing his doctor's advice to avoid stressing his heart.
For a retrospective on Hackman's remarkable career, explore our list of his 20 best films.
