The death of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, who passed away due to hantavirus, has shocked fans as details surrounding their final days emerge.
**Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Pass Away Just Days Apart**
**Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Pass Away Just Days Apart**
The legendary actor and his wife succumbed to natural causes, a week apart, in their New Mexico home.
In a tragic turn of events, the beloved actor Gene Hackman, known for his roles in classics such as "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven," died at the age of 95, just one week following the death of his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who was 65. New Mexico medical officials stated that Hackman passed away from coronary artery disease compounded by advanced Alzheimer’s, while Arakawa succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) after reportedly contracting the virus from exposure to infected rodents.
The medical examiner revealed that Arakawa likely died on February 11, a week before Hackman, who may not have been fully aware of her passing due to his Alzheimer's condition. Hackman was discovered in their Santa Fe home, his body showing signs of advanced decomposition, while Arakawa was found in the bathroom of the residence. Authorities indicated no foul play was involved, and preliminary investigations pointed towards natural causes for both deaths.
Erin Phipps, a New Mexico Public Health Veterinarian, emphasized that while hantavirus infections are rare, they indeed can be fatal, highlighting that only 136 cases have been documented in the state in the last half-century, with 42% resulting in death. Investigators are looking into how Arakawa might have contracted the illness, reporting signs of rodent activity on their property but low risk within their home.
Hackman's film legacy includes over 100 roles and two Academy Awards, forming an indelible mark on American cinema. The star's last public appearance was in 2004, after which he retreated from the public eye to live with Arakawa in their home. He is survived by three children from a previous marriage.
The medical examiner revealed that Arakawa likely died on February 11, a week before Hackman, who may not have been fully aware of her passing due to his Alzheimer's condition. Hackman was discovered in their Santa Fe home, his body showing signs of advanced decomposition, while Arakawa was found in the bathroom of the residence. Authorities indicated no foul play was involved, and preliminary investigations pointed towards natural causes for both deaths.
Erin Phipps, a New Mexico Public Health Veterinarian, emphasized that while hantavirus infections are rare, they indeed can be fatal, highlighting that only 136 cases have been documented in the state in the last half-century, with 42% resulting in death. Investigators are looking into how Arakawa might have contracted the illness, reporting signs of rodent activity on their property but low risk within their home.
Hackman's film legacy includes over 100 roles and two Academy Awards, forming an indelible mark on American cinema. The star's last public appearance was in 2004, after which he retreated from the public eye to live with Arakawa in their home. He is survived by three children from a previous marriage.
