American authorities have revealed the cause of death of renowned actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
Police said the actor died of natural causes, while Arakawa died after contracting a rare virus.
The couple was found dead in their apartment on February 27. They passed away before they were found.
Also, according to authorities, Hackman's wife is believed to have died first (on February 11) as a result of a respiratory illness from exposure to infected rats.
Her cause of death is listed as natural.
At least a week later, actor Hackman also passed away as a result of heart disease, adding to this Alzheimer's disease.
According to doctors, given the fact that Hackman was in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's, it is possible that he may not have realized that his wife had passed away.
Hackman and Arakawa were married for 30 years. The 65-year-old was last seen on April 11, when she went to the grocery store, a pharmacy and a pet store. She returned home in the evening.
The couple's bodies were found in advanced stages of decomposition in their $3.8 million villa.
In his 60-year career, Hackman has won 2 Oscars, 2 Bafta, 4 Golden Globes and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Hackman has played more than 100 roles in his career, including Lex Luthor in the Superman films of the 1970s and 1980s.