In brief
The legendary actor Gene Hackman, famed for his roles in iconic films, has died at the age of 95 from coronary artery disease, following the passing of his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who succumbed to a rare virus named hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Both passed away at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with Hackman’s death occurring approximately a week after Arakawa's.
Authorities confirmed that Arakawa, 65, died on February 11, with investigations still ongoing to determine how she contracted the illness, which can result from contact with infected rodent droppings. Dr. Heather Jarrell, from the New Mexico Medical Investigator's Office, indicated that Hackman might not have been aware of his wife's death, referencing his advanced Alzheimer's disease. The couple was discovered after a welfare check by neighborhood security revealed their bodies. Findings showed Hackman's condition stemmed from significant heart disease and advanced Alzheimer's, while HPS cases, though rare, are notably serious and can lead to respiratory failure. Despite their health struggles, the couple had shared a long marriage lasting over three decades. In a career that spanned several decades, Hackman won two Academy Awards and starred in over 100 films, including classics such as The French Connection and Unforgiven. After stepping back from acting in the early 2000s, Hackman lived a quieter life in New Mexico, leaving behind a legacy as a celebrated actor and a husband grieving the loss of his beloved partner.
