In brief
Gene Hackman, the Oscar-winning actor known for iconic roles, died from coronary artery disease closely after his wife Betsy succumbed to a rare virus called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The couple's deaths occurred in their New Mexico home after more than three decades together, with investigations revealing no foul play.
Actor Gene Hackman has died at the age of 95, just one week after the passing of his wife, Betsy Arakawa, aged 65, according to a New Mexico medical investigator. The couple's deaths were confirmed to be due to natural causes, with Hackman's being attributed to coronary artery disease exacerbated by advanced Alzheimer's disease. In contrast, Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), which she contracted after exposure to infected rodents.Arakawa is believed to have died first on February 11, with Hackman following on February 18, as reported by Dr. Heather Jarrell. She noted the challenges of Hackman's comprehension due to his dementia, indicating he might not have been aware of his wife's passing. Meanwhile, HPS, contracted by Arakawa, is a rare respiratory illness, with only 136 cases reported in New Mexico over the last five decades, leading to a significant fatality rate.Local authorities initiated a welfare check that revealed their bodies inside the couple’s Santa Fe home, found in advanced states of decomposition. Hackman was discovered in a sideroom near the kitchen, whereas Arakawa was found in the bathroom alongside scattered medications. Their cherished pets were also found at the residence, including one deceased dog whose cause of death remains under investigation.Detectives found no signs of forced entry or foul play within the $3.8 million home, confirming negative tests for carbon monoxide poisoning and significant gas leaks. The late couple enjoyed a long marriage since meeting at a California gym in the mid-1980s. Hackman is survived by three adult children from a previous marriage, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hollywood's most celebrated actors, known for films like The French Connection and Unforgiven.
