Heather Jarrell, along with state firefighters and health officials, held a press conference on March 7. Actor Gene Hackman passed away from heart disease a week after his wife's hantavirus death at their home in New Mexico. It is believed that Hackman may not have been aware of his wife's passing due to signs of Alzheimer's.
"Mr. Hackman was found to have evidence of advanced Alzheimer's disease," Jarrell stated. This is the first confirmed case of hantavirus in New Mexico this year. Authorities dismissed initial hypotheses regarding the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife.
The bodies of Hackman, 95, and Betsy Arakawa, 65, were discovered on February 26 in an advanced state of decomposition. Carbon monoxide poisoning tests came back negative, and the possibility of a criminal act was ruled out. Arakawa's last known activity was on February 11, according to investigations.
One of the couple's three dogs was found dead in a cage in the bathroom next to Arakawa, while the other two dogs survived. Dogs cannot contract hantavirus, according to the veterinarian from the New Mexico Department of Health. Hackman showed signs of significant heart disease, which likely caused his passing.
Arakawa was found dead in a bathroom. The causes of her death have been clarified along with those of her husband Gene Hackman. Both deaths were classified as natural due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. A necropsy is being performed on the pet to determine its cause of death. The investigation remains open until all data and results are reviewed. Jarrell commented, "His health was very deteriorated."
