Gene Hackman's cause of death revealed
The cause of death of legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, has finally been confirmed, more than a week after they were discovered in their Santa Fe home.
The couple was found deceased in their residence on February 26, prompting an investigation by authorities.
Dr Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Examiner for New Mexico, disclosed at a press conference that Hackman succumbed to cardiovascular disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease being a significant contributing factor. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, died around seven days earlier from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare infectious disease contracted through exposure to rodents and their excrement. Authorities found evidence of rodent intrusion in the couple’s home, believed to be the source of Arakawa’s infection.
Based on her movements and email communications, Dr Jarrell determined that Arakawa likely passed away on February 11, while Hackman is believed to have died on February 18. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that Hackman was likely at home with his deceased wife for seven days before his own death.
Dr Jarrell noted that Hackman was in "very poor health", and it was unclear how he managed in his final days without his wife's assistance. Given his advanced Alzheimer’s, Jarrell suggested that it was possible he was unaware that his wife had passed away.
“There was no food in his stomach, which means he had not eaten recently, but he had no evidence of dehydration,” she stated.
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a severe and often fatal respiratory disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, it begins with flu-like symptoms and rapidly progresses to serious lung and heart complications. The best prevention is avoiding contact with rodents and properly managing rodent-prone areas.
Dr Jarrell’s findings confirmed that Hackman had severe heart disease, with evidence of multiple prior heart attacks and chronic high blood pressure. A full-body post-mortem examination showed no signs of trauma. He tested negative for COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory illnesses, as well as hantavirus and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Similarly, Arakawa’s autopsy revealed no external or internal trauma. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of hantavirus, ruling it as the cause of her death. Other tests for respiratory viruses and toxins returned negative results.
Dr Jarrell said that there were “no other significant natural disease findings” in either case, and that all medications found in the home were taken as prescribed and did not contribute to their deaths.
The tragic passing of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa marks the end of an era for Hollywood, with fans mourning the loss of the two-time Academy Award-winning actor. Hackman, known for his roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven and The Royal Tenenbaums, retired from acting in 2004. The couple had been residing in Santa Fe for many years, enjoying a quiet life away from the public eye.
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