Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, sparking many questions about the causes of their deaths which coroners have now answered
Gene Hackman's wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Gene Hackman, who suffered from advanced Alzheimer's disease, died a week later from a heart condition. Hantavirus is a family of viruses spread by rodents that can cause serious illness and death, with an estimated 38% mortality rate for those developing respiratory symptoms. The CDC notes diagnosis can be difficult within the first 72 hours of infection.