Overview

• Gene Hackman’s official cause of death was severe atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with contributing factors including advanced Alzheimer’s disease and prolonged fasting.
• Betsy Arakawa died approximately a week earlier from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare rodent-borne illness confirmed by the New Mexico Department of Health.
• Investigators ruled out foul play, carbon monoxide poisoning, and toxic exposure, confirming both deaths were due to natural causes.
• The couple’s Santa Fe home was found in disrepair with significant rodent infestation, which likely led to Arakawa’s hantavirus exposure.
• Hackman, who suffered from late-stage Alzheimer’s, may not have been aware of his wife’s death and struggled to care for himself in his final days.