Gene Hackman died of natural causes about a week after his wife Betsy Arakawa, who died after contracting a rare virus, a New Mexico medical investigator has said.
The 95-year-old Oscar-winning actor died at his Santa Fe home from coronary artery disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease a contributing factor.
Betsy Arakawa, 65, died in the same house from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare but serious respiratory illness caused by exposure to infected rodents.
Authorities believe Gene Hackman’s wife passed away about seven days before her husband. Her cause of death was listed as natural.
It is likely that Betsy Arakawa died first on February 11, Dr. Heather Jarrell of the New Mexico Medical Investigator’s Office told a news conference on march 7.
She said it was “reasonable to conclude” that Gene Hackman died on February 18.
Betsy Arakawa’s last known movements and correspondence were on February 11, when she was seen going to a market, a CVS pharmacy and a pet store, before returning home in the early evening.
Given that Gene Hackman was in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease it is “quite possible that he was not aware that she [his wife] was deceased”, said Dr. Jarrell.
Gene Hackman had “significant heart disease, and ultimately that’s what resulted in his death”, Dr. Jarrell said, adding that he had chronic high blood pressure.
He had not eaten anything recently, but showed no indications of dehydration, she added.
At the press conference, New Mexico Public Health Veterinarian Erin Phipps emphasized that hantavirus infections are extremely rare.
HPS is transmitted through contact with rodent droppings, urine or saliva, often when contaminated dust is inhaled.
She noted that 136 cases had been reported in the state over the past 50 years, and 42% resulted in fatalities.
Erin Phipps said evidence of rodent activity was found in some buildings on the property, though the risk inside the main house was considered “low”.
Gene Hackman tested negative for hantavirus.
While rare, the disease can lead to respiratory failure in some cases.
The couple were found in their home after neighbourhood security conducted a welfare check and saw their bodies on the ground through the window.
The couple’s bodies were discovered in advanced stages of decomposition.
Gene Hackman’s body was in a sideroom next to the kitchen, with a walking cane and a pair of sunglasses nearby, according to a search warrant affidavit.
Betsy Arakawa’s body was found in the bathroom, with scattered pills near her.
Sheriff’s deputies found medication for thyroid and blood pressure treatment, along with pain reliever Tylenol, according to a court-filed inventory.
