Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, known for his gripping performances in The French Connection and Unforgiven, passed away from natural causes about a week after his wife’s death, a medical examiner confirmed on Friday.
His death puts an end to days of speculation surrounding the beloved Hollywood icon.
Emergency responders discovered the bodies of 95-year-old Hackman and his 65-year-old wife, Betsy Hackman, in their New Mexico home on February 26. According to Heather Jarrell, chief medical examiner for the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, Hackman died from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s as a contributing factor.
His wife succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare respiratory illness caused by exposure to infected rodent droppings.
Investigators ruled out foul play or carbon monoxide poisoning. Data from Hackman’s pacemaker suggests he likely passed away around February 18, while Betsy may have died on February 11.
When first responders arrived, they found the door unlocked, with Betsy’s body in the bathroom next to scattered pills and Hackman fully clothed in another room. Given his advanced Alzheimer’s, authorities speculated he may not have realized his wife had died. One of their dogs was also found dead, while two others were still alive.
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Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, built a career on emotionally intense performances that reflected his difficult upbringing. Though he retired from acting in the early 2000s, his work continues to inspire, leaving behind a lasting cinematic legacy.
