Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman passed away from natural causes about a week after his wife Betsy Arakawa died from a rare virus, according to a New Mexico medical investigator.
At the age of 95, Hackman died from coronary artery disease at his residence in Santa Fe, with advanced Alzheimer’s also contributing to his demise.
His wife, Betsy Arakawa, aged 65, died in their home from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a respiratory disease contracted through contact with infected rodents. Her death was categorized as natural.
Authorities believe that Ms. Arakawa died approximately seven days before her husband, to whom she had been married for over three decades.
Hackman had been awarded two Academy Awards for his roles in “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven” during his illustrious career.
Dr. Heather Jarrell of the New Mexico Medical Investigator’s Office suggested that Ms. Arakawa likely passed away on February 11, as she reported in a press conference on Friday.
She also stated it was reasonable to assume that Hackman died on February 18.
The last confirmed activities of Ms. Arakawa included visits to a grocery store, a CVS pharmacy, and a pet store on February 11, returning home in the early evening.
Due to Hackman’s advanced Alzheimer’s, Dr. Jarrell speculated that he might have been unaware of his wife’s passing.
Dr. Jarrell admitted her lack of knowledge regarding Hackman’s daily functioning abilities.
“Significant heart disease was ultimately what led to his death,” Dr. Jarrell explained, noting his long-term struggle with high blood pressure.
Although Hackman had not eaten recently, there were no signs of dehydration, Dr. Jarrell added.
At the press briefing, New Mexico Public Health Veterinarian Erin Phipps emphasized the extreme rarity of hantavirus infections.
Hantavirus is spread through contact with rodent excrement, urine, or saliva, particularly when dust containing these substances is inhaled.
Dr. Phipps highlighted that there have been 136 reported cases of the virus in the state over the last 50 years, with a fatality rate of 42%.
She noted rodent activity in some buildings on the property, though the risk of infection inside the main house was deemed low.
The investigation continues into how Ms. Arakawa contracted the virus. Hackman tested negative for hantavirus.
The bodies of the couple were discovered after neighborhood security checked on their welfare and saw them through a window.
The bodies were found in an advanced state of decomposition.
Hackman’s body was located in a side room near the kitchen, where a walking cane and sunglasses were found, as stated in a search warrant affidavit.
Ms. Arakawa was found in the bathroom, with pills scattered nearby.
Sheriff’s deputies discovered medications for thyroid and blood pressure issues, as well as Tylenol, according to court documents.
Due to privacy laws, the specific prescriptions were not disclosed.
One of their three dogs was also found deceased in a crate near Ms. Arakawa, while the other two were alive.
The cause of death for the dog has not yet been determined, officials stated. Dr. Phipps assured that dogs are not susceptible to hantavirus.
No evidence of forced entry or foul play was found at the couple’s $3.8 million home. Tests for carbon monoxide poisoning came back negative, and no significant gas leaks were found.
Hackman is survived by three adult children from his previous marriage.
Hackman met Ms. Arakawa while she was working part-time at a gym in California in the mid-1980s, as reported by the New York Times.
He received the best actor Oscar for his portrayal of Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in William Friedkin’s 1971 thriller “The French Connection,” and another Oscar for best supporting actor as Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s Western, “Unforgiven,” in 1992.
A relative latecomer to Hollywood, Hackman’s career breakthrough came in his thirties. He was first nominated for an Oscar for playing Buck Barrow in 1967’s “Bonnie and Clyde,” alongside Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway, and again for “I Never Sang for My Father” in 1970.
He was also nominated for best leading actor in 1988 for his role as an FBI agent in “Mississippi Burning.”
Hackman took on more than 100 roles during his career, including the supervillain Lex Luthor in the Superman movies starring Christopher Reeve in the 1970s and 1980s.
He worked alongside many Hollywood greats, such as Al Pacino in 1973’s “Scarecrow” and Gene Wilder in 1974’s “Young Frankenstein.”
His final film appearance was as Monroe Cole in “Welcome to Mooseport” in 2004, after which he retired from Hollywood to lead a quieter life in New Mexico.
