The causes of death of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were revealed by US authorities on Friday, ABC News reported, quoted by NOVA.
Hackman died of "hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. He suffered from advanced Alzheimer's," said Dr. Heather Jarrell, medical examiner.
The cause of his wife's death was hantavirus pulmonary syndrome - a fairly rare disease spread by mice. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the illness "initially causes flu-like symptoms that can progress to a more severe illness in which people have trouble breathing."
Hackman is believed to have died around Feb. 18, and his wife around Feb. 11. "That means the actor was probably home with his deceased wife for a week before she passed away," Santa Fe County Sheriff Adam Mendoza said.
Gene Hackman was probably unaware that his wife was dead because of his illness, the medical examiner said.
The couple were found dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a week ago. The body of the couple's dog, who had been married since 1991, was also found in the house.
Gene Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner - for "The French Connection" in 1972 and "Unforgiven" in 1993, was known for shunning the limelight, even though he was seen as a symbol of the new Hollywood. He was considered an actor who focused on his work rather than his image, avoiding public appearances except for a few awards ceremonies.
The 95-year-old Oscar-winning actor, Arakawa, 64, and one of their dogs were found dead on February 26 in separate rooms of their Santa Fe home.