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, according to Variety.

An update on the couple's passing, initially deemed “suspicious” in a search warrant issued late last month, comes from New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator Chief Medical Examiner Heather Jarrell. Jarrell confirms that Hackman, aged 95, died of cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s also contributing to his death.

It is believed that Arakawa, aged 65, succumbed to hantavirus on February 11, 15 days before her and Hackman’s bodies were discovered in their New Mexico home. The CDC identifies hantavirus as a “family of viruses which can cause serious illnesses and death,” primarily spread by rodents like mice and rats.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza shared during a recent news conference that security camera footage showed Arakawa visiting a local Sprouts market and CVS on the day she died. She also had a conversation with a massage therapist that same day. Hackman’s pacemaker recorded its last activity on February 17, indicating he died one week after Arakawa. The couple, along with their deceased dog, were found in separate rooms with no evidence of a gas leak, and subsequent autopsies tested negative for carbon monoxide.

The news of Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths sent shockwaves through the film community when it spread on February 27. Hackman, celebrated for his roles in films like Superman, The French Connection, Unforgiven, and many others, won two Oscars during his illustrious career. He retired from acting in 2004, a decision influenced by his doctor's advice to avoid stressing his heart, as he told Empire.

For a deeper dive into Hackman’s cinematic legacy, explore our list of his 20 best films.