Actor Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa died of natural causes about a week apart

Actor Gene Hackman’s died of natural causes about a week after his wife Betsy Arakawa, who died after contracting a rare virus, say New Mexico medical investigators.

The Oscar-winning actor, 95, died from coronary artery disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease listed as a contributing factor.

Ms Arakawa, 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare but serious respiratory illness caused by exposure to infected rodents.

Authorities believe she passed away about seven days before her husband. Her cause of death was listed as natural.