The shocking cause of death for the couple, Gene Hackman (95), has been revealed after their bodies were found together.
Gene Hackman was suffering from serious heart disease, high blood pressure, and progressive Alzheimer's disease, while his wife Betty Hackman (65) contracted hantavirus, which spreads through rodent droppings.
Heath Jarrell, the chief medical examiner in New Mexico, confirmed to reporters on the 7th that Betty Hackman died from a virus transmitted to humans through rodent urine, saliva, and feces. It appears that her last external communication via email occurred on Feb. 11.
Meanwhile, the last activity recorded in Gene Hackman's heart pacemaker was on Feb. 17. The examiner stated it is reasonable to conclude that Gene Hackman, who had no food in his stomach at the time of death, passed away the following day. He said, "It is reasonable to conclude that his wife Betty Hackman passed away first." There is a high possibility that Gene Hackman spent several days alone at home after his wife's death.
The Hackman couple was found dead in a state of decomposition at their home in Santa Fe on Feb. 26. When a pest control worker visited the couple's home, he called a neighborhood security guard but didn't get a response, prompting authorities to dispatch to the scene. Police saw the bodies through a window and contacted 911.
According to a search warrant affidavit reviewed by People, Hackman was found in a room of the house, while his wife was discovered collapsed in the bathroom with medications scattered around.
The couple's dog was found dead several feet away from Betty Hackman in a closet. Fortunately, two other dogs were found alive on the spacious property.
Police initially did not believe it was a criminal case.
Cases of hantavirus are relatively rare, but in New Mexico, it is reported that up to 42% of cases are fatal.
Gene Hackman, considered one of the finest actors of his generation, won two Academy Awards during his decades-long career. He retired in Hollywood in 2004 and began a quiet life in Santa Fe with his wife, a concert pianist.
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