In brief
Gene Hackman, the acclaimed actor known for winning two Academy Awards, passed away due to natural causes at his New Mexico home, just one week after his wife Betsy Arakawa, who died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Authorities revealed that Arakawa likely died first, with Hackman's advanced Alzheimer's contributing to his death.
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have both died within a week of each other from natural causes, according to a New Mexico medical investigator. Gene Hackman, 95, passed away at his home in Santa Fe, while his 65-year-old wife died from a rare virus known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which she contracted after exposure to rodents.Hackman’s cause of death was attributed to coronary artery disease, with advanced Alzheimer's disease suggested as a contributing factor. The timeline indicates that Betsy Arakawa likely succumbed around February 11, with her husband following on February 18. They had been married for over three decades.Dr. Heather Jarrell, from the New Mexico Medical Investigator's Office, stated at a recent press briefing that while it is presumed Arakawa died first, it is possible Hackman was unaware of her passing due to the advanced stages of his Alzheimer's. “His normal daily functioning was unclear,” Dr. Jarrell noted.The actor had a history of significant heart disease and had been continuously treated for chronic hypertension. On the day of his death, he had shown no signs of dehydration but had not eaten in some time. Meanwhile, Hantavirus, which Arakawa contracted, is transmitted via contacting infected rodent excretions, although instances of this virus are quite rare in New Mexico.Authorities discovered the couple's bodies after neighbors requested a welfare check, revealing them in an advanced state of decomposition within the couple's residence. Investigators found no indications of foul play, forced entry, or gas leaks, and tests for carbon monoxide were negative.In addition to the couple, one of their three dogs was also found dead in a crate, while the other two were alive. The cause of death for the dog remains undetermined, but officials have confirmed that dogs cannot contract hantavirus.Gene Hackman had a storied acting career, winning Oscars for his iconic roles in "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven." After rising to fame in his thirties, he cemented his legacy with performances alongside Hollywood legends. Hackman retired from acting in 2004, choosing a quieter life in New Mexico. He is survived by three children from a previous marriage.
