Gene Hackman and Wife's Deaths Linked to Natural Causes

The recent deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been attributed to natural causes, as confirmed by investigators. The couple was discovered deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home, prompting an investigation by local authorities.

According to the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office, Betsy Arakawa, aged 63, likely passed away on February 11 due to complications from hantavirus, a disease transmitted by rodents and contaminated dust. Gene Hackman, 95, died a week later on February 18 from a cardiovascular ailment, as revealed by the medical examination.

Reports indicate that Hackman had been living with the body of his wife for approximately one week prior to his own death. The medical examiner confirmed that Hackman had a heart pacemaker that recorded normal activity until February 17, when it detected an irregular heartbeat. Furthermore, it was revealed that Hackman suffered from advanced Alzheimer's disease, which likely affected his awareness of his wife's passing.

Authorities discovered the couple's bodies on February 26, following a call from two workers who had not seen them for several weeks. Hackman was found collapsed in a utility room, while Arakawa was discovered in a bathroom alongside medication containers. The condition of the bodies suggested that they had been deceased for several days.

During the investigation, officials ruled out foul play and found no evidence of external trauma or carbon monoxide poisoning. They did, however, uncover a deceased dog belonging to the couple, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

While the exact source of Arakawa's hantavirus infection remains unclear, investigators noted the presence of rodent droppings in the home. However, they emphasized that the likelihood of contracting the virus in well-maintained properties in New Mexico is generally low.

Prior to her death, Arakawa reportedly exhibited flu-like symptoms related to the hantavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded about 850 hantavirus cases in the U.S. between 1993 and 2022, with New Mexico being one of the most affected states.

Despite the completion of initial investigations, some questions linger regarding the couple's reclusive lifestyle and why no one checked on them for an extended period. Neighbors indicated that Hackman and Arakawa had kept a low profile, often avoiding social interactions.

Gene Hackman, an acclaimed actor, received two Academy Awards during his illustrious career, including one for his iconic role in 'The French Connection.' He had distanced himself from Hollywood in the early 2000s, but his contributions to cinema remain celebrated.