According to authorities, Gene Hackman died of heart disease and his wife from a Hantavirus

The American actor Gene Hackman died of the effects of a heart disease and also suffered from Alzheimer's disease. The New Mexico authorities reported this on Friday at a press conference. His wife Betsy Arakawa probably died a week earlier from the consequences of a Hantavirus, which is transferred by rodents.

The 95-year-old Hackman and his 64-year-old woman were found dead at the end of February in their home in Santa Fe in New Mexico. The police found the circumstances “suspicious enoughFor an investigation. But that has now shown that both died a natural death.

Chances are that Arakawa died on 11 February, because no communication was found after that date. The Pacemaker of Hackman no longer registered activity around 18 February, so according to the authorities it is likely that he died around that time.

Medical specialist Heather Jarell points out that Hackman was no longer functioning properly because of his Alzheimer's. « It is quite possible that he did not know his wife had died, » said Jarell at the press conference.

According to Sheriff Adan Mendoza, the couple led a very withdrawn life in recent years and were in poor health. The dog that was also found dead in their home probably died of starving.

Gene Hackman was a celebrated actor and won Oscars for his leading role in The French Connection (1971) and his supporting role in Unforgive (1992). In 2004 he ended his acting career. His wife Betsy Arakawa was a classic pianist.

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