Authorities have revealed new details about the deaths of actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 64, whose bodies were discovered Feb. 26 in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Arakawa died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare respiratory illness with flu-like symptoms contracted through exposure to rodent waste. Investigators found evidence of rodent activity on the property but have not determined how she was exposed. Her last known activities were Feb. 11, when she visited stores in Santa Fe before returning home.
Hackman died about a week later due to heart disease, with Alzheimer's disease as a contributing factor. His pacemaker recorded its final activity Feb. 17, and investigators found no indication that he tried to contact anyone after Arakawa died. He had no food in his stomach but was not dehydrated. Authorities found no signs of foul play.
A deceased dog, which was found in a crate and may have been recovering from a recent medical procedure, was also discovered in the home. Its autopsy results are pending.
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