Gene Hackman and wife both died of natural causes, but several days apart

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman died of natural causes about a week after his wife Betsy Arakawa, who died after she contracted a rare virus.

A New Mexico medical investigator says Hackman died from coronary artery disease, and his advanced Alzheimer's meant it was possible he was not aware his wife had died in their home several days earlier.

Arakawa, 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a serious respiratory illness caused by exposure to infected rodents.

Her last known movements were on 11th February, when she was seen going to a farmers market, a pharmacy and a pet store, before returning home in the early evening.

Data from Hackman's pacemaker suggests he died on 18 February.

The update from authorities in Sante Fe, where the couple lived together, brings a very sad conclusion to the mystery of how they died.

Source: BBC