Oscar-winning legendary actor Gene Hackman was found dead in his Santa Fe home at the age of 95 due to heart disease, authorities confirmed on Friday. Shockingly, his 65-year-old wife Betsy Arakawa had died from a rare and deadly virus about a week earlier than the Gene Hackman and authorities confirmed their deaths on Friday after a welfare check at their home.
Medical officials determined that Hackman died from coronary artery disease, while Betsy succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but serious disease linked to rodent droppings. Reports indicate that she was last seen on February 11 before returning home where she is believed to have passed away. Meanwhile, Hackman’s pacemaker date suggested he died on February 18.
During a news conference held on Friday, Dr Heather Jarrell of the New Mexico’s chief medical examiner stated that Gene Hackman had advanced Alzheimer’s disease which might have prevented him trouble from understanding or responding to Betsy Arakawa’s death. The couple’s bodies were found more than a week later with their pet dog also deceased. Investigators are still awaiting necropsy results to determine the animal’s cause of death.
Health officials noted that hantavirus cases are uncommon with only 136 reported in New Mexico over the past 50 years. Nearly half of those cases were fatal. Investigators found signs of rodent activity on the property but believe the risk inside the main house was low.
Gene Hackman known for films like The French Connection and Unforgiven, retired from acting in 2004. Betsy Arakawa, a former pianist, was his caregiver in recent years. Their passing has left fans and friends mourning the end of an era.
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