Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe County, New Mexico, home on February 26. Mr Hackman was suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s and Ms A Rakawa died from a rare viral infection, Hantavirus, which is caused by rodents. Investigators suspect the actor was too weak and confused to seek medical attention, surviving for nearly a week before succumbing to heart illness. He was dependent on his wife for medicines, household errands and even the simplest of tasks. The actor had a history of high blood pressure and heart disease, per his medical report. He had three children from a previous marriage, two of whom were at a shelter at the time of the couple’s death. The couple’s dog, Zinna, might have died due to dehydration and starvation, according to New Mexico state public health veterinarian Erin Phipps. Authorities are still waiting for the dog’s necropsy results. The two-time Oscar winner had a son and a daughter from his previous marriage.