Santa Fe, New Mexico – Actor Gene Hackman’s passing was revealed by authorities on Friday to be a result of heart disease, occurring just a week after his wife succumbed to hantavirus in their residence. The couple’s tragic deaths were initially investigated, ruling out foul play upon their discovery on February 26.

Following the tests that dismissed carbon monoxide poisoning as a cause, the authorities delved deeper into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. Arakawa, 65, was found with an open prescription bottle and pills scattered in the bathroom, with her death attributed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. On the other hand, Hackman, at the age of 95, was found in the entryway of their home, with the cause of death being a result of heart disease, compounded by Alzheimer’s disease.

Hantavirus, a rare yet potentially fatal disease transmitted through infected rodent droppings, was identified as the source of Arakawa’s passing. Typically reported in spring and summer, the disease is often contracted in environments where individuals come into contact with mouse droppings in inadequately ventilated spaces, such as homes or sheds.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, in conjunction with state fire and health officials, provided further details at a news conference held to update the public on the investigation. Personal belongings from the couple’s home, including a monthly planner and two cellphones, were retrieved by investigators to aid in understanding the series of events leading to the tragic deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.

As the community mourns the loss of the esteemed actor and his wife, authorities continue to uncover more information to shed light on the circumstances surrounding their untimely deaths.