Gene Hackman and His Wife Found Dead: Causes of Death Revealed

American actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead on February 26 at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, alongside the body of one of their dogs. Authorities announced on March 7 that the couple had died of natural causes, about a week apart.

The Causes of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s Deaths

Gene Hackman died of hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributing factor. His pacemaker stopped transmitting on February 18, making it likely that he passed away that day. New Mexico’s chief medical examiner, Heather Jarrell, stated that the actor was in very poor health.

Betsy Arakawa, on the other hand, died on February 11 from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease transmitted through the droppings of infected rodents. She was last seen that day, visiting a pharmacy and a pet store. Pills were scattered on the bathroom counter near her body.

A Week of Isolation for the Actor

“It is entirely possible that he didn’t know she had died,” explained Heather Jarrell, noting that Gene Hackman may have lived alone for a week after his wife’s death. The two bodies showed no signs of trauma or carbon monoxide poisoning. Although no criminal activity was suspected, the investigation remains open to clarify certain points, including the cause of the dog’s death.

This double tragedy marks the end of a couple united since 1991, leaving behind the memory of an iconic actor and a talented pianist, both passing away in the quiet of their home.