Cause of death revealed for Gene Hackman and wife

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office and the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator revealed the cause of death of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Hackman.

In a news conference on Friday, investigators say Betsy died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome on or around Feb. 11. They say Gene died of heart disease and Alzheimer’s. There was no sign of external trauma.

A maintenance worker in the couple’s neighborhood called police after seeing them unresponsive in their home last week. 

The New Mexico Gas Company conducted what they call an “extensive investigation” of possible gas leaks in their home. They say there were no significant findings and only one “miniscule”, non-lethal leak on a stove burner.

At this point, the best clue into when the 95-year-old actor died is his pacemaker, which the sheriff says last showed activity on Feb. 17.

MORE:

• Gene Hackman investigation: ‘No significant findings’ by gas company in home
• Gene Hackman, wife and dog found dead under ‘suspicious’ circumstances at Santa Fe home
• Sheriff: Last ‘recorded event’ on Gene Hackman’s pacemaker was Feb. 17