An autopsy reveals what appears to have killed the actor and his wife, and it's even more tragic than anyone could have guessed, including how dementia may have played a part in Hackman's passing and a virus that infected his spouse. And it all may have started with rodent droppings. 

Evidence also indicates Hackman may have wandered around the house with his wife's body in another room, unaware she was dead. 

Gene Hackman died of heart disease, his wife died of hantavirus about 1 week prior, authorities say