Gene Hackman, the legendary actor known for his roles in films such as The French Connection and Unforgiven, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were confirmed to have died of natural causes, according to an update from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator on Friday. Hackman, 95, passed away after battling cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease being a significant contributing factor, while his wife Arakawa, 65, likely died from hantavirus, a rare but potentially fatal disease transmitted by rodents.
Both deaths occurred in late February, and authorities had initially stated that no foul play was suspected. Hackman’s death was officially listed as occurring on February 26. Arakawa, on the other hand, was believed to have died around a week earlier, on February 11. The deaths prompted an investigation, though it was soon confirmed that both were due to natural causes.
At a press conference, Heather Jarrell, the chief medical examiner for the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, explained the findings in more detail. She stated that Hackman’s death was primarily caused by cardiovascular disease, further exacerbated by his advanced Alzheimer’s condition. Hackman’s pacemaker had recorded abnormal rhythms before the actor’s passing, with the last recorded activity being on February 18.
Arakawa, a former classical pianist and the owner of Pandora’s, a home furnishings store in Santa Fe, was found dead in the couple’s home. Authorities discovered her body in the bathroom, where medications, including thyroid pills, were found scattered on the counter. The pills were identified as being prescribed to Arakawa, and no signs of foul play were noted during the investigation.
Hantavirus, which Arakawa likely contracted, is typically transmitted through rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. According to Erin Phipps, the state’s public health veterinarian, hantavirus infections are rare, but the virus can be deadly. Of the 136 infections reported in New Mexico over the past 50 years, nearly half were fatal. While there were signs of rodent activity on the property, the level of risk in the main house was deemed low.
Despite testing negative for hantavirus, Hackman’s health had been in decline for years. He had a history of heart issues, including severe heart disease and previous heart attacks. As a result, his death was not unexpected. However, authorities emphasized that the timing of the couple’s deaths, which occurred within a short period of each other, raised concerns that warranted further investigation.
Investigators found no carbon monoxide poisoning in the home. A thorough inspection of the property by the New Mexico Gas Company revealed no significant gas leaks. Additionally, a maintenance worker who arrived at the couple’s home on February 26 found the door ajar, which led to the discovery of the two bodies. A necropsy is still pending for one of the couple’s dogs, which was found dead in a closet near Arakawa’s body. The other two dogs on the property were found to be healthy and roaming around the house.
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Hackman, who retired from acting about 20 years ago, was a well-known figure in Hollywood. His career spanned decades and earned him critical acclaim for his performances in a range of iconic films. In addition to his Academy Award-winning roles in The French Connection (1971) and Unforgiven (1992), Hackman starred in The Conversation (1974), The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), and many others. His retirement from acting was followed by a quieter life in Santa Fe, where he served on the board of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.
Arakawa, whom Hackman married in 1991, had lived in Santa Fe with him for many years. She had a passion for music, and before her marriage to Hackman, she was a well-regarded classical pianist. Together, they made their home in the picturesque New Mexico city, where Arakawa also ran her own business.
As details surrounding their deaths continue to emerge, the community in Santa Fe and beyond has expressed sadness over the loss of the beloved actor and his wife. Hackman’s career and legacy as one of Hollywood’s greatest actors will not be forgotten, and Arakawa’s contributions to the arts and local community will continue to be remembered fondly.
Authorities have confirmed that both deaths were the result of natural causes, but investigations into certain aspects, including the necropsy of the dog and the specifics of the hantavirus exposure, remain ongoing.
