Gene Hackman died of heart disease, his wife died of hantavirus about 1 week prior, authorities say
By MORGAN LEE - Associated Press
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities revealed Friday that actor Gene Hackman died of heart disease and showed severe signs of Alzheimer’s disease a full week after his wife died of hantavirus in their home.
Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell said it was possible that Hackman was not aware his wife was deceased in their home.
“Mr. Hackman showed evidence of advanced Alzheimer’s disease,” Jarrell said. “He was in a very poor state of health. He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately that’s what resulted in his death.”
Gene Hackman died of heart disease, his wife died of hantavirus about 1 week prior, authorities say
Chris Pizzello - Invision
Morgan Freeman speaks about Gene Hackman with an image of Gene Hackman on the screen during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Chris Pizzello - Invision
Morgan Freeman speaks about Gene Hackman with an image of Gene Hackman on the screen during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Gene Hackman died of heart disease, his wife died of hantavirus about 1 week prior, authorities say
Roberto E. Rosales - FR171967 AP
Santa Fe County deputies remain outside the house belonging to actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were earlier found dead, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 in Santa Fe, N.M.
Roberto E. Rosales - FR171967 AP
Santa Fe County deputies remain outside the house belonging to actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were earlier found dead, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 in Santa Fe, N.M.
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife and dog found dead in their New Mexico home
MARK J. TERRILL - AP
FILE - Actor Gene Hackman arrives with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, for the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 19, 2003.
MARK J. TERRILL - AP
FILE - Actor Gene Hackman arrives with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, for the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 19, 2003.
Gene Hackman died of heart disease, his wife died of hantavirus about 1 week prior, authorities say
SARAH MARTONE - AP
FILE - Gene Hackman, right, and long-time friend Daniel Lenihan, discuss their new book, "Wake of the Perdido Star," on Nov. 19, 1999, in Cloudclift Bakery, the cafe where they first dreamed up their adventure story, in Santa Fe, N.M.
SARAH MARTONE - AP
FILE - Gene Hackman, right, and long-time friend Daniel Lenihan, discuss their new book, "Wake of the Perdido Star," on Nov. 19, 1999, in Cloudclift Bakery, the cafe where they first dreamed up their adventure story, in Santa Fe, N.M.
Hackman, 95, was found in the home’s entryway. His death was tied to heart disease with Alzheimer’s disease contributing.
Betsy Arakawa, 65, was found with an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on the bathroom counter. Authorities linked her death to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease spread by infected rodent droppings.
It is typically is reported in spring and summer, often due to exposures that occur when people are near mouse droppings in homes, sheds or poorly ventilated areas.
Jarrell said it was not known how quickly Arakawa died.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza made the announcement alongside state fire and health officials at a news conference.
Investigators earlier retrieved personal items from the couple’s home, including a monthly planner and two cellphones.