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 has revealed that he likely passed away one week after hantavirus claimed the life of his wife, Betsy Arakawa (via Variety).

An update on the couple’s passing, initially described as “suspicious” in a search warrant last month, comes from Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Examiner at the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. According to her findings, Hackman, 95, died of cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease contributing to his death.

Arakawa, 65, is believed to have died on February 11—15 days before their bodies were discovered at their New Mexico home. The CDC describes hantavirus as a family of viruses that can lead to severe illnesses and, in some cases, death. The virus is primarily transmitted through rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, commonly from mice or rats.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated in a recent press briefing that security footage showed Arakawa visiting a local Sprouts Farmers Market and CVS on the day she died. She also had a phone conversation with a massage therapist that same day. Hackman’s pacemaker recorded its final signal on February 17, indicating he passed away approximately one week after Arakawa. The couple and one deceased dog were found in separate rooms; no evidence of a gas leak was detected, and toxicology reports confirmed no carbon monoxide poisoning.

The news of their deaths, first reported February 27, sent shockwaves through the film industry. Hackman’s storied career earned him two Academy Awards and iconic roles in films including Superman, The French Connection, Unforgiven, and many others. He stepped away from acting in 2004, revealing to Empire that his doctor advised against continuing due to concerns over heart strain.

For a deeper look at his legacy, check out our list of his 20 best films.