Gene Hackman, renowned for his outstanding performances, died of natural causes just one week after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, succumbed to a rare virus.
Tragic Loss: Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Pass Away within Days of Each Other
Tragic Loss: Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Pass Away within Days of Each Other
Iconic actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have both passed away, stirring grief in Hollywood and beyond.
During a press conference, New Mexico officials confirmed that Gene Hackman, 95, passed away at his home in Santa Fe, succumbing to coronary artery disease aggravated by advanced Alzheimer’s. Sadly, just a week prior, his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), an illness attributed to rodent exposure.
Details provided by Dr. Heather Jarrell of the New Mexico Medical Investigator's Office indicate that Ms. Arakawa likely passed away on February 11, while Hackman is believed to have died on February 18. It was reported that Hackman might not have been aware of his wife's death due to his Alzheimer's condition.
Health officials highlighted the rarity of hantavirus infections, noting that this illness has claimed 42% of diagnosed cases in New Mexico over the past 50 years, with only 136 instances reported. Findings also showed signs of rodent activity at the couple's residence, although the main living areas were deemed to pose a low risk.
The couple's bodies were discovered after a welfare check by neighborhood security personnel, revealing them in advanced stages of decomposition. Hackman's remains were found near the kitchen, alongside personal effects like a cane and sunglasses, while Arakawa's body was located in the bathroom.
In addition to the tragic deaths, a dog was found deceased near Arakawa, while the other two dogs were alive, and the cause of death for the pet remains under investigation. Authorities ruled out foul play or forced entry, confirming tests for carbon monoxide poisoning were negative.
Gene Hackman, an acclaimed actor known for winning two Oscars, will be remembered not just for his roles in cinema, such as in *The French Connection* and *Unforgiven*, but also for his impactful presence on the big screen, representing a remarkable career that spans decades.
Having started his career later in life, Hackman rose to prominence in his thirties, crossing paths with numerous Hollywood legends throughout the years. After a lengthy and successful career, he retired from acting in 2004, opting for a quieter life in New Mexico. Hackman is survived by three children from his first marriage.
Details provided by Dr. Heather Jarrell of the New Mexico Medical Investigator's Office indicate that Ms. Arakawa likely passed away on February 11, while Hackman is believed to have died on February 18. It was reported that Hackman might not have been aware of his wife's death due to his Alzheimer's condition.
Health officials highlighted the rarity of hantavirus infections, noting that this illness has claimed 42% of diagnosed cases in New Mexico over the past 50 years, with only 136 instances reported. Findings also showed signs of rodent activity at the couple's residence, although the main living areas were deemed to pose a low risk.
The couple's bodies were discovered after a welfare check by neighborhood security personnel, revealing them in advanced stages of decomposition. Hackman's remains were found near the kitchen, alongside personal effects like a cane and sunglasses, while Arakawa's body was located in the bathroom.
In addition to the tragic deaths, a dog was found deceased near Arakawa, while the other two dogs were alive, and the cause of death for the pet remains under investigation. Authorities ruled out foul play or forced entry, confirming tests for carbon monoxide poisoning were negative.
Gene Hackman, an acclaimed actor known for winning two Oscars, will be remembered not just for his roles in cinema, such as in *The French Connection* and *Unforgiven*, but also for his impactful presence on the big screen, representing a remarkable career that spans decades.
Having started his career later in life, Hackman rose to prominence in his thirties, crossing paths with numerous Hollywood legends throughout the years. After a lengthy and successful career, he retired from acting in 2004, opting for a quieter life in New Mexico. Hackman is survived by three children from his first marriage.
