A medical investigation into the death of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman has shed light on the circumstances surrounding his passing. According to a report from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, Hackman, aged 95, likely died from cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's also contributing to his demise. The investigation came after the death of his wife, Betsy Arakawa, was deemed "suspicious" in a search warrant issued late last month.
Betsy Arakawa, 65, is believed to have succumbed to hantavirus on February 11, 15 days before her and Hackman's bodies were discovered in their New Mexico home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes hantavirus as a serious family of viruses spread primarily by rodents, such as mice and rats, capable of causing severe illness and death.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza provided further details in a recent news conference, noting that security camera footage showed Arakawa visiting a local Sprouts market and CVS on the day of her death. She had also spoken with a massage therapist that day. Hackman's pacemaker recorded its final event on February 17, indicating he died approximately one week after Arakawa. The couple, along with their deceased dog, were found in separate rooms, with no evidence of a gas leak; subsequent autopsies confirmed negative tests for carbon monoxide.
The news of Hackman and Arakawa's passing sent shockwaves through the film community when it was reported on February 27. Hackman, renowned for his roles in films like Superman, The French Connection, and Unforgiven, won two Oscars during his illustrious career. He retired from acting in 2004, following his doctor's advice to avoid stressing his heart.
For those interested in exploring more of Hackman's cinematic contributions, you can view our curated list of his 20 best films.
