In brief
Gene Hackman, the celebrated actor known for his roles in iconic films, passed away at the age of 95 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a week after the death of his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who was 65. A medical investigator reported that Hackman succumbed to coronary artery disease, compounded by advanced Alzheimer's, while Arakawa's death stemmed from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare respiratory illness contracted via exposure to infected rodent droppings.
Authorities have concluded that Arakawa likely died on February 11, with her husband following on February 18. Dr. Heather Jarrell from the New Mexico Medical Investigator’s Office indicated that given Hackman’s Alzheimer’s condition, he may not have been aware of his wife's passing. "He had significant heart disease, and ultimately that's what resulted in his death," Dr. Jarrell noted.The couple's bodies were discovered in their home after a welfare check by neighborhood security. The investigation revealed signs of rodent activity in the property but deemed the risk of HPS transmission within their primary residence as low. In addition to the couple, one of their dogs was found deceased, though the cause of its death is still undetermined.Throughout his illustrious career, Hackman secured two Academy Awards for his roles in "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven.” He appeared in over 100 films, earning acclaim in Hollywood. After meeting Arakawa at a California gym in the mid-1980s, they maintained a loving marriage for over three decades. Hackman is survived by three children from his previous marriage.
