SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Gene Hackman, a towering figure in cinema for decades, spent his final years in seclusion with his wife, Betsy Arakawa. At the age of 95, Hackman, who was suffering from heart disease and Alzheimer’s, passed away. His death followed that of Arakawa, who was 65 and died from a rare disease called hantavirus. Authorities indicated that Hackman's last days were marked by significant health challenges and isolation.

According to New Mexico Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell, Hackman showed advanced signs of Alzheimer’s disease, leading to a considerable decline in his physical health. She noted that Hackman was "in a very poor state of health" and had significant heart disease, which ultimately contributed to his death. Evidence suggests that Hackman may not have been aware of Arakawa’s passing, which occurred about a week before his own.

Former New York City Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Baden posited that Hackman was severely impaired due to his Alzheimer’s, which hindered his ability to comprehend and cope with the death of his wife in his final week. This underscores the profound impact of cognitive decline on emotional processing, particularly during critical events like the loss of a loved one.

The couple led a secluded life, and when authorities finally located them, their bodies were discovered in a state of decomposition, partly due to the dry climate of Santa Fe, located at nearly 7,200 feet (2,200 meters) above sea level. Sheriff Adan Mendoza described the couple as a “very private family,” complicating the investigators' attempts to establish a precise timeline of their deaths. At the time of his death, Hackman had not recently eaten, as indicated by the absence of food in his stomach, but he was not dehydrated, suggesting a different nature of decline prior to his death.

No indications were found that Hackman had attempted to contact anyone after Arakawa’s passing. This revelation has prompted reflections from friends, such as Stuart Ashman, co-owner of the Artes de Cuba gallery, who expressed regret for not checking on the actor, emphasizing a sense of collective responsibility among those who knew him.

Arakawa's death on February 11 was attributed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and potentially lethal illness caused by exposure to infected rodent droppings. On that day, she had visited various places, including a grocery store and a pharmacy, before returning home. Investigators later found signs of rodents on their property, which may point to the source of infection. It is believed that Arakawa exhibited flu-like symptoms prior to her death.

Gene Hackman had a celebrated and diverse acting career, featuring prominently in dramas, comedies, and action films. After his retirement, he and Arakawa chose to retreat from the Hollywood social scene, making Santa Fe their home. The couple met in the mid-1980s at a California gym and moved to Santa Fe by the decade's end. Their residence, a Pueblo revival home, was situated on a hillside with scenic views of the Rocky Mountains.

During the early years of his life in New Mexico, Hackman was recognized for his involvement in the community, serving on the board of trustees for the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum from 1997 to 2004. Though he maintained a close circle of friends, he preferred a quieter lifestyle, occasionally spotted downtown but often eschewing public appearances.