Legendary actor Gene Hackman, known for his award-winning performances in The French Connection and Unforgiven, has died at the age of 95 due to heart disease, just days after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, succumbed to a rare hantavirus infection, according to autopsy results released Friday.
Hackman, who was in an advanced state of Alzheimer’s disease, and his 64-year-old wife were found deceased in separate rooms of their Santa Fe home on February 26. Their deaths have shocked the Hollywood and New Mexico communities, where the couple had lived privately for decades.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed at a press conference that Arakawa likely passed on February 11 due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and often fatal disease spread by rodents. Hackman, unaware of his wife’s passing due to his condition, died a week later, with medical investigators citing heart disease as the primary cause of death. His time of death was determined by pacemaker activity on February 18.
Hantavirus cases are uncommon in the United States but are prevalent in New Mexico and surrounding states, where deer mice are primary carriers. While health officials found rodent activity in structures outside the couple’s home, there was no direct evidence of an infestation inside.
Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, was a towering figure in Hollywood, known for his rugged performances and distinctive voice. His breakout role in Bonnie and Clyde (1967) earned him his first Oscar nomination, and he later won Best Actor for The French Connection (1972) and Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven (1993).
The couple, who had been married since 1991, lived a quiet life in Santa Fe, engaging with the local arts and culinary scene before retreating from public life in recent years due to Hackman’s declining health.
Authorities discovered the bodies after a caretaker at their gated community raised concerns. Hackman was found in the kitchen, while Arakawa and one of their dogs were located in a bathroom. Investigators found no signs of trauma, with evidence suggesting both had collapsed suddenly.
Hollywood and fans worldwide are mourning the loss of Hackman, a celebrated actor whose contributions to cinema left an indelible mark.
