Hackman probably died one week after wife, officials say

Actor had Alzheimer’s while partner succumbed to illness

- MIKE BEDIGAN

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman died after his wife and possibly didn’t know she lay dead in their New Mexico home for a week because of his advanced Alzheimer’s, investigators have said.

Police and medical examiners yesterday provided an update on the death of Hackman, 95, and Betsy Arakawa, 65. The couple were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on 26 February, along with one of their three dogs.

Questions swirled over their deaths as police initially deemed them “suspicious” when they found no evidence of carbon monoxide poisoning. Heather Jarrell, chief medical examiner, revealed that the couple died from natural causes, but a week apart. It is likely that Arakawa died first, Mr Jarrell said Arakawa was found with an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on the bathroom counter. Her death was attributed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, Ms Jarrell said. Hantaviruses target the lungs and can cause serious illness and death.

It is often spread by rodents and transfers from the animal to a person and there have been about 800 cases recorded in the US since 1993.

Hackman was found on the ground near the kitchen in a “mudroom”, an entryway where shoes and coats are often removed, and appeared to have fallen “suddenly”. A cane and sunglasses were found on the ground nearby.

His death was tied to heart disease with Alzheimer’s disease contributing, the medical examiner said.