Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa death: Police finally reveal the SHOCKING cause behind their sudden demise

The death of Hollywood actor Gene Hackman, and his wife Betsy Arakawa had sent shockwaves around the world last month, when their bodies were discovered at their Santa Fe home in New Mexico. At that point, despite the circumstances surrounding the eerie deaths, the authorities made it clear that no foul play was involved, and there was no imminent danger to the neighbours. Now a few weeks later, the actual cause behind their deaths have been revealed...

According to latest reports, authorities have deduced that in a tragic turn of events, Gene Hackman actually died a week later from a heart disease after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, died in a separate room of the house. The couple had largely stayed away from the public eye for many years. The police also added that since Gene suffered from an advanced form of Alzheimer's, it is likely that he did not realise that his wife had passed away. Betsy, on the other hand, died of a respiratory illness linked to rodents, say reports.

What actually happened?
The couple's bodies were discovered on February 26 at their Santa Fe home. Cops say that what transpired before that is difficult to say, as it seems like the couple used to stay on their own without any help. According to authorities, Betsy had to run some errands on February 11, but no evidence of them carried out has been found, indicating that she could have died the same day. On the other hand, the actor died due to heart disease, roughly a week later, on February 18.

What did the actor do post his wife's death?
Police said that an autopsy was conducted on the actor, which revealed an empty stomach, indicating that he had not been eating since a few days. However, he was not dehydrated. It is still unclear whether the actor was aware of his wife's death, and was trying to get help, but was struggling, given his own condition. According to the police, these questions unfortunately will always remain unanswered.
What did the actor's wife die of?
Betsy Arakawa, who otherwise did not have any chronic illness, died of hantavirus. The virus, it is said, is contracted through an exposure to excrement from rodents, particularly the deer mouse in New Mexico. It can start off as simple flu-like symptoms before progressing to shortness of breath, as well as cardiac and lung failure.

Authorities said that the couple's home had a low risk of exposure to rodents, however, they could be found in other properties close by, which could have found its way into the couple's home.

Gene Hackman's career spanned over four decades, during which he received two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, and four Golden Globe Awards. His wife was an American classical pianist.