Gene Hackman's Cause of Death Confirmed as Natural, Wife Died Days Earlier from Hantavirus

The legendary actor passed away in mid-February at age 95, a week after his wife succumbed to a rare rodent-borne illness, according to New Mexico's chief medical examiner.

Gene Hackman, a two-time Oscar-winning actor, died of hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's as a contributing factor.
His wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, passed away earlier from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and often fatal illness transmitted by rodent droppings.
The couple's bodies were found at their Santa Fe home on February 26, with Hackman likely passing around February 18 and Arakawa on February 11.
An investigation ruled out foul play or carbon monoxide poisoning, initially suspected due to the unusual circumstances of their deaths.
Hackman, a key figure of the New Hollywood era, retired in 2008 and was known for iconic roles in films such as 'French Connection' and 'Unforgiven.'