Gene Hackman Died One Week After His Wife Betsy Arakawa, Medical Investigation Reveals

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, follows a search warrant that deemed the couple's deaths suspicious. Hackman, 95, passed away, while Arakawa, 65, died on February 11th, fifteen days before their bodies were discovered in their New Mexico home. The CDC classifies hantavirus as a potentially fatal illness 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 also having spoken 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 deceased in separate rooms, along with a dog, with no evidence of gas leaks and negative carbon monoxide tests.

News of their deaths, reported on February 27th, shocked the film community. Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, 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 of Hackman's impressive career, explore our list of his 20 best films.