Actor Gene Hackman, 95, died of heart disease a week after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, succumbed to hantavirus at their New Mexico home, authorities revealed Friday. Due to Hackman’s advanced Alzheimer’s disease, it is believed he was unaware of his wife’s death.
Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell, alongside state fire and health officials, confirmed the findings at a news conference, stating that both deaths were from natural causes.
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“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.”
Investigators determined that Arakawa’s last known activity was on February 11th, when she visited several local businesses. Hackman’s pacemaker indicated an abnormal heart rhythm on February 18th, the likely day of his death.
Their bodies were discovered on February 26th. Hackman was found in the home’s entryway, and Arakawa was found in a bathroom.
Arakawa’s death was attributed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease spread by infected rodent droppings. Thyroid medication found near her body was not a contributing factor.
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“It’s quite possible he was not aware she was deceased,” Jarrell said, referring to Hackman’s condition.
Hackman’s death was attributed to heart disease, with Alzheimer’s disease contributing. Authorities ruled out foul play and carbon monoxide poisoning.
This is the first confirmed case of hantavirus in New Mexico this year. The disease is typically reported in the spring and summer, often due to exposure to rodent droppings in homes, sheds, or poorly ventilated areas. It remains unknown how quickly Arakawa succumbed to the virus.
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