Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa's Causes of Death Confirmed

Hackman died of heart disease with Alzheimer’s as a factor, while Arakawa succumbed to a rare rodent-borne hantavirus.

Gene Hackman, 95, died from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor.
Betsy Arakawa, 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare virus transmitted by rodents; her death was ruled natural.
Investigators believe Hackman lived for approximately a week after Arakawa's death, likely unaware of her passing due to his Alzheimer’s condition.
The couple was found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on February 26, along with one of their three dogs; two other dogs survived.
Authorities ruled out foul play and carbon monoxide poisoning, though the open front door and scattered prescription pills initially raised suspicion.