Gene Hackman’s wife died of hantavirus, but could his own death be linked to infection? New research suggests infections may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.

Gene Hackman “was in very poor health” before his death, which was caused by heart problems and advanced Alzheimer’s disease, officials revealed on Friday. New Mexico Chief Medical Examiner Heather Jarrell shared the details of Hackman’s health in his final days at a press conference in Santa Fe alongside Sheriff Adan Mendoza.