AceShowbiz - Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were recently laid to rest following a small, private memorial service held in Santa Fe. The couple was found dead in their New Mexico home on February 26, a discovery that shocked and saddened their close family and friends.

The iconic actor of "The French Connection" fame died at the age of 95, while Arakawa was 65 at the time of her passing. Their memorial was attended by Hackman's three children - son Christopher, 65, and daughters Elizabeth, 63, and Leslie, 58, all from his first marriage to Faye Maltese.

In a haunting turn of events, Gene and Betsy's bodies were located after first responders searched the extensive 10,000-square-foot home for over 30 minutes. It was one of their dogs that led them to Hackman's body, adding the deeply unsettling nature of their deaths.

Adding to the sorrow, Zinna, one of the couple's three dogs, was also found deceased in its crate, having likely succumbed to starvation and dehydration.

An autopsy confirmed that Betsy Arakawa died nearly a week before Hackman due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare disease transmitted by rodents.

Hackman's cause of death was determined to be hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with advanced Alzheimer's disease cited as a significant contributory factor.

Investigations have further revealed that the couple's residence was a "breeding ground for infestation" before their deaths. Dead rodents, droppings, and nests were discovered across eight buildings on their property, which might have contributed to the contraction of the hantavirus.

The tragic circumstances of their deaths have left many questioning how such a situation could unfold. Medical professionals believe that Hackman, due to his Alzheimer's disease, may not have realized that his wife had already passed away. This poignant detail adds another layer of heartbreak to an already devastating story.