Double Oscar winning actor Gene Hackman died of heart disease a week after his wife Betsy Arakawa died of a rare infectious disease, according to reports.
This was confirmed by a medical examiner, after the couple were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico last month, along with their dog. At the time, it was confirmed that an investigation into the couple's deaths would be carried out.
At a press conference, it was announced that Mr Hackman had died of heart disease, while his wife Betsy Aarakawa died of the hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The chief medical examiner, Dr Heather Jarrell said that it was "reasonable to conclude" that Ms Arakawa who was 64 years old, died of this disease on February 11, a week prior to her husband's death.
According to Dr Jarrell, Mr Hackman aged 95, died on February 18, of "hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease as a significant contributory factor".
Reports from the sheriff's office also said that a pathologist had determined the last signal from Hackman's pacemaker was from 17 February, making it likely to have been the last day of his life.
Having been reportedly very active in the community, the couple were seen less often in town, as Mr Hackman's health declined.
