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, according to Variety. The case, initially considered suspicious in a search warrant last month, has been further clarified by New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator Chief Medical Examiner Heather Jarrell. Jarrell's report indicates that Hackman, aged 95, succumbed to cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s also contributing to his demise.

Betsy Arakawa, aged 65, is believed to have died on February 11, 15 days before her body and that of Hackman were discovered in their New Mexico home. The CDC identifies hantavirus as a "family of viruses which can cause serious illnesses and death," primarily spread by rodents like mice and rats.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza shared during 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 day. Hackman’s pacemaker recorded its last event on February 17, indicating he died approximately 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 confirmed negative results for carbon monoxide poisoning.

The film community was stunned by the news of Hackman and Arakawa’s passing 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, among others. He retired from acting in 2004, a decision influenced by his doctor’s advice to avoid putting excessive strain on his heart, as he told Empire.

For a deeper dive into Hackman’s cinematic achievements, explore our list of his 20 best films.