The cause of death to actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were revealed by authorities on today, more than one week after the couple was mysteriously found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home.
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Today authorities revealed Hackman died from “hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease,” with Alzheimer’s disease being a major factor in his cause of death. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from a rare disease called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. This disease is carried by rodents.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the disease causes flu-like symptoms that can progress to more severe illness, causing trouble breathing.
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The couple was found dead on February 26th, during a welfare check, with no signs of how they died.
According to authorities , the couples’ death were “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation”.
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Authorities believe Hackman died on Feb. 17th, nine days before the bodies were found. According to the search warrant, Arakawa was found lying in a bathroom, with a space heater near her body. Arakawa’s body showed signs of decomposition with mummification to her hands and feet.
The Academy Award-winning actor was 95 and his wife, 65.
