Gene Hackman’s likely cause of death revealed, actor survived a week alone after wife died from rare virus

The mysterious circumstances surrounding Gene Hackman’s death were dispelled by a report from the medical examiner on the likely cause of death.

(Video: CNN)

On Feb. 26, the 95-year-old two-time Academy Award-winning actor was discovered dead in his home along with his 65-year-old wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog, Zinna. While much speculation surrounded the circumstances after “foul play” had been ruled out, the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator’s chief medical investigator confirmed Friday that Hackman had died of natural causes after his wife contracted a rare virus.

Speaking at a press conference flanked by other officials, Dr. Heather Jarrell explained, “The cause of death for Mr. Gene Hackman, aged 95 years, is hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor.”

“Autopsy examination and a full-body postmortem examination demonstrated no acute findings of internal or external trauma and showed severe heart disease, including multiple surgical procedures involving the heart. Evidence of prior heart attacks and severe changes of the kidneys due to chronic high blood pressure,” she continued.  “Examination of the brain showed advanced Alzheimer’s disease, as well as blood vessel changes in the brain secondary to chronic high blood pressure.”

As for Arakawa, Jarrell detailed that she had likely died as much as a week before Hackman having contracted the rodent-borne hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which she noted did not spread between humans in the United States and, in the southwest, had a mortality rate between 38-50%.

According to the medical examiner, Hackman’s wife had also passed from natural causes and had been located in a bathroom within the couple’s home.

“It is reasonable to conclude that Mr. Hackman probably died around February 18th,” said Jarrell. “Based on the circumstances, it is reasonable to conclude that Miss Hackman passed away first, with February 11th being the last time that she was known to be alive.”

During the press conference, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza had provided a timeline generated by the investigation explaining that Arakawa had picked up Zinna from the veterinarian on Feb. 9, suggesting the reason the dog had been crated at the time of discovery, and had run errands on Feb. 11 that included shopping at a farmer’s market, a CVS pharmacy and a pet food store before returning home that evening.

NEW: Gene Hackman likely passed away a week *after* his wife Betsy Arakawa but did not notify anyone, according to New Mexico’s medical examiner.

Officials believe Arakawa passed away from hantavirus, a disease linked to rodents.

One week later, Hackman is believed to have… pic.twitter.com/OAZnuyUeZP

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 7, 2025

Mendoza, who explained that cellphone data was pending, also detailed that the investigation had sought to determine if a gas leak had been a potential factor in the deaths. According to the findings, one “minor” leak from a stove burner was discovered and ruled “pretty minute and insignificant.”

As for Zinna’s death, the sheriff noted that the deceased couple’s dog had been transported for veterinary diagnostic services where necropsy would be performed and the results would be provided once they were available.

Staff Writer

Native of Brooklyn, NY, Kevin Haggerty is a graduate of Hunter College where he studied Cultural Anthropology and Geography. An avid reader and truth seeker, he currently resides in Texas with his wife and their dog and, when he isn’t researching current events and their impacts, you’ll find him spending time with friends and family or working on his next novel.

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