Sat Mar 08 01:51:14 UTC 2025: ## Oscar Winner Gene Hackman Dies of Natural Causes at 95
**Santa Fe, NM** – Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, died of natural causes, likely about a week after the death of his wife, Betsy Hackman, 65, New Mexico’s chief medical investigator announced Friday. The investigation has concluded that Mr. Hackman’s death was due to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease listed as a significant contributing factor. Mrs. Hackman died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
Both deaths were determined to be natural causes, with no signs of trauma or carbon monoxide poisoning. Data from Mr. Hackman’s pacemaker indicated his last activity was approximately a week before his body was discovered by maintenance workers at the couple’s Santa Fe property. Authorities believe Mrs. Hackman passed away around February 11th, with Mr. Hackman’s death likely occurring around February 18th. The delay in discovery was due to maintenance workers being unable to access the property. The medical examiner explained that hantavirus, contracted through exposure to infected rodent droppings, can present flu-like symptoms that can progress to severe respiratory and cardiac complications.
First Piper 