Unexpected cause of death revealed for Oscar-winning actor and his wife

Two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa died in their New Mexico home within days of each other, official authorities reported.

According to New Mexico's chief medical investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell, Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, while Hackman died from heart failure complicated by Alzheimer's disease.

The 95-year-old actor reportedly lived for about a week after his wife's death. The bodies were discovered by security personnel after household staff were unable to enter the home.

Hackman's pacemaker recorded its last activity on February 17. Arakawa was last seen on February 11 while shopping.

Gene Hackman is known for his roles in "The French Connection," "The Unforgiven," and "Superman." After retiring from cinema in the early 2000s, he dedicated himself to painting and literature.