Gene Hackman passed away due to coronary artery disease exacerbated by Alzheimer's, one week after his wife succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Both died in their New Mexico home, with Hackman's death potentially linked to his wife's unexpected passing.
Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa Pass Away Just Days Apart
Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa Pass Away Just Days Apart
The beloved Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman has died at the age of 95, following the death of his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, a week earlier.
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman has died at the age of 95, just a week after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, passed away. According to a New Mexico medical investigator, Hackman succumbed to natural causes, specifically coronary artery disease, with advanced Alzheimer's disease as a contributing factor. Betsy Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a serious respiratory illness caused by exposure to infected rodent droppings.
Authorities believe Ms. Arakawa died about a week before her husband, with Dr. Heather Jarrell of the New Mexico Medical Investigator's Office stating that it was "reasonable to conclude" that Hackman passed on February 18. Ms. Arakawa's last known activities were on February 11, the day she was seen returning from a grocery trip. Dr. Jarrell noted that given Hackman's advanced Alzheimer's, it is "quite possible" he was unaware of his wife's death.
Hackman had significant heart disease, and Dr. Jarrell confirmed it ultimately led to his death. She mentioned that he had not eaten recently but showed no signs of dehydration at the time of his passing. The hantavirus, which has been linked to rodent droppings, is extremely rare with only 136 cases reported in New Mexico in the last 50 years.
Both individuals were found in their home after a neighborhood security check, with their bodies in advanced stages of decomposition. Investigators discovered Hackman's body near the kitchen and Arakawa's in the bathroom, with some medications found on the premises. A relative of the couple’s pets was also discovered deceased.
Initial examinations suggested no signs of foul play or forced entry, with tests for carbon monoxide poisoning returning negative results. Hackman is survived by three children from a previous marriage. He is well-known for his outstanding performances in films, earning two Academy Awards, and leaves behind a legacy as a revered figure in Hollywood history.
