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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 passing, previously deemed "suspicious" in a search warrant. Hackman, 95, passed away; Arakawa, 65, died 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 through rodents.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza reported that security footage shows Arakawa visiting a local market and pharmacy on the day of her death, and also spoke with a massage therapist. Hackman's pacemaker recorded its final event on February 17th, indicating death a week after his wife. Both, along with their deceased dog, were found in separate rooms; tests ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning.
The news of their deaths, reported February 27th, shocked the film community. Hackman's illustrious career included two Oscars and iconic roles in films like Superman, The French Connection, and Unforgiven. He retired in 2004, citing his doctor's advice to limit stress on his heart.
For a retrospective of Hackman's remarkable filmography, explore our list of his 20 best films.
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