Authorities have confirmed the causes of death for actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, more than a week after the couple was found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home.

Hackman, 95, died from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease listed as a significant contributing factor, according to Dr. Heather Jarrell, chief medical investigator for the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator.

“Mr. Hackman showed evidence of advanced Alzheimer’s disease,” Jarrell said at a press conference on Friday. “He was in a very poor state of health. He had significant heart disease, and I think, ultimately, that is what resulted in his death.”

Authorities estimate that Hackman passed away around February 18, roughly one week after his wife died.

Arakawa, 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and deadly disease transmitted through rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the illness begins with flu-like symptoms but can quickly progress to severe respiratory distress, causing fluid buildup in the lungs.

“A person can die very quickly, within 24 to 48 hours, without medical treatment,” Jarrell explained.

Authorities believe Hackman remained in the home with his deceased wife for about a week before passing away himself.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza noted that Hackman had no food in his stomach, suggesting he had not eaten recently, but showed no signs of dehydration.

The tragic deaths of Hackman and Arakawa highlight both the risks of severe illness in advanced age and the dangers of rare infections like hantavirus, which remains uncommon but highly lethal.