The partially mummified bodies of Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered in February at their home in New Mexico.

Betsy Arakawa died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome at the age of 65, New Mexico health authorities said. Here’s what to know about the rare but deadly disease.

Hantavirus explained after Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy Arakawa’s death was confirmed by chief medical examiner Dr Heather Jarrell at a press conference.