Hollywood icon Gene Hackman, a two-time Academy Award-winning actor known for his gripping performances, has died of natural causes at the age of 95. His passing comes just days after the tragic death of his wife, Betsy Hackman, at their Santa Fe home, according to a report from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator.
Emergency responders discovered the couple’s bodies on February 26 after maintenance workers, unable to access their property, raised concerns. Medical examiner Heather Jarrell confirmed that Hackman succumbed to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease cited as a contributing factor. His wife, Betsy Hackman, aged 65, was found to have died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and severe respiratory disease contracted from exposure to infected rodent droppings.
Authorities ruled out foul play, with no evidence of trauma or carbon monoxide poisoning. The timeline of their final days remains somewhat unclear, but data from Hackman’s pacemaker suggests he likely passed away around February 18, while his wife is believed to have died about a week earlier, on February 11.
Hackman’s body was discovered in a separate room, fully clothed with sunglasses nearby, suggesting a sudden fall. Betsy’s body was found in the bathroom, with scattered pills beside her. Investigators speculated that due to Hackman’s advanced Alzheimer’s, he may not have realized his wife had passed away.
Their secluded lifestyle and preference for privacy made reconstructing their last days challenging for authorities. A family spokesperson had previously denied reports of Hackman suffering from Alzheimer’s.
Among the couple’s three dogs, one was found dead in the bathroom, while two others survived unharmed.
Gene Hackman, revered for his raw, powerful acting, had an illustrious career spanning decades. His portrayal of the tough, unrelenting detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection (1971) earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. More than two decades later, he won another Oscar for his chilling performance as Sheriff “Little Bill” Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven (1992).
His work, often fueled by his tumultuous upbringing, left an indelible mark on cinema. Though he retired from acting in the early 2000s, his legacy endures through his unforgettable performances and the characters he brought to life.