We are one step closer to fully understanding what led to the shocking deaths of husband and wife,Gene Hackman, 95, andBetsy Arakawa, 65. There have been a multitude of question marks surrounding the case since the couple wasfound deceased at their Santa Fe, New Mexico homejust over one week ago. Authorities were quick to rule out foul play before bringing it back into the discussion after carbon monoxide poisoning tests returned negative. Now it’s being reported that the legendary actor passed away from heart disease coupled with Alzheimer’s. Law enforcement believe that Hackman was alive for several days after his wife and famous pianist died of hantavirus while at home before succumbing to his own long-standing ailments.
According to Chief Medical InvestigatorDr. Heather Jarrell,
“Mr. Hackman showed evidence of advanced Alzheimer’s disease. 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.”
Dr. Jarrell also noted that it was incredibly probable thatHackman was completely unawarethat his wife was deceased in the bathroom of their home. As for Arakawa’s suspected reason for death, investigators believe thatshe was suffering from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome— a rare, but sometimes fatal disease that makes its way from one victim to the next through infected rodent droppings. In the statement to the press, Dr. Jarrell said it was unclear how soon after exposure Arakawa succumbed, but these exposures do tend to happen more around this time of the year and into the summer months.
Gene Hackman’s Career Was Celebrated At the Academy Awards
Known for his work in the film industry, Hackman’s face was synonymous with numerous favorite projects, fromArthur Penn’sBonnie and ClydetoWilliam Friedkin’sThe French Connection, the latter of which would earn him his first Oscar. Always one to cross genres, he appeared inRichard Donner’sSupermanas Lex Luthor, before nabbing yet another Academy Award thanks to his work inClint Eastwood’sUnforgiven. He continued to keep things fresh and reach out to a younger audience thanks to signing on for his role inWes Anderson’sThe Royal Tenenbaums— which many consider to be a career-defining project. Last week at the 97th Academy Awards, the late actor was honored during the In Memoriam montage alongside other late greats, includingMaggie Smith,Gena Rowlands,Kris Kristofferson,David Lynch, and more.
Our condolences go out to the families of Hackman and Arakawa at this time.
