A medical investigation into the death of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman reveals he likely died of cardiovascular disease, complicated by Alzheimer's, a 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.
Arakawa, 65, reportedly died on February 11th, fifteen days before their bodies were discovered in their New Mexico home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies hantavirus as a potentially lethal family of viruses spread primarily by rodents.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that security footage shows Arakawa visiting a local Sprouts market and CVS on the day of her death, and she also spoke with a massage therapist. Hackman's pacemaker recorded its final event on February 17th, indicating his death a week after his wife's. Both were found in separate rooms, along with a deceased dog, with no signs of foul play, such as gas leaks, and autopsies ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning.
The news of Hackman and Arakawa's deaths, which broke on February 27th, shocked the film community. Hackman, 95, won two Oscars and starred in iconic films like 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 illustrious career, explore our list of his 20 best films.
