Actor Gene Hackman is believed to have died about a week after his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
This is announced by the forensic doctor Heather Jarrell during a press conference, according to Sky News.
– – It is very possible that he was not aware that she was dead, she says.
Actor Gene Hackman died as a result of heart failure and showed signs of long time Alzheimer’s, says forensic physician at a press conference according to Sky News.
His wife, Betsy Arakawa, is believed to have died in an unusual infection caused by craft, about a week before her husband. She is believed to have lived until February 11, when she appeared until then appeared on surveillance films and had communicated by telephone. After February 11, the traces of her seem to end.
Hantavirus is transmitted to humans from rodents and can cause fatal infection. The virus cannot be transferred from human to human, says Dr. Erin Phipps at the New Mexico Health Department.
According to the forensic doctor’s investigation, there should be signs that a rodent has entered the couple’s home.
Hackman showed signs of Alzheimer’s
Gene Hackman is believed to have died on February 18, when the latest activity on his pacemaker was registered. He showed signs of far advanced Alzheimer’s, which may have been a contribution to his death.
According to the forensic doctor Heather Jarrell, it is “very possible” that Hackman was not aware that his wife died.
– He was in very poor condition, she says.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home in Santa Fe on February 26. Arakawa was found dead in the bathroom, near a jar of pills scattered on a bench, while Hackman was found in the hall.
In the home, one of the couple’s dogs was also found dead. The dog’s cause of death has not yet been determined.
Sheriff: still open investigation
The sheriff in Santa Fe, Adan Mendoza, says the police will still consider the couple’s deaths as an open investigation until they have all the details, including the dog’s cause of death.
Gene Hackman broke through 1967 in the movie “Bonnie and Clyde”. He won two Oscar statues during his career. One he received in 1972 for the lead role in “The French Connection”, and the other he won in the category “Best male supporting role” in the movie “The Unforgive”.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were married for over 30 years. Hackman turned 95 and Arakawa turned 63.
Over the past 50 years, 136 cases of Hantavirus in New Mexico have been able to confirm.
Of these cases, 42 percent were deadly.
Hantavirus is transmitted from rodents to humans.
It is transmitted by rodentarurine, spilling or saliva. It is therefore important to take protective measures so as not to breathe anything while cleaning areas where rodents have been.
Source: Dr. Erin Phipps, New Mexico Department of Health/BBC