Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa's cause of death revealed days after their bodies were found
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Authorities in New Mexico have confirmed that Gene Hackman died from hypertensive cardiovascular disease, which was exacerbated by his battle with Alzheimer’s.
His wife, Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist, succumbed to Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare disease transmitted by rodents.
Inside Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's tragic deaths
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's mummified remains were found inside their $3.8 million Santa Fe residence by two maintenance workers last Wednesday, February 26.
Dr Heather Jarrell, chief medical investigator for the state, conducted autopsies on the couple last Thursday, February 27, and determined the official cause of death.
Authorities believe Arakawa died first on February 11 due to complications from the viral infection, according to Daily Mail.
The 95-year-old actor is estimated to have died a week later, around February 18, likely unaware of his 65-year-old wife’s death due to his advanced Alzheimer’s.
Grim Discovery in Gene Hackman's Santa Fe home
Gene Hackman was found lying on the floor of a mudroom adjacent to the kitchen, with his cane and sunglasses nearby.
Arakawa was discovered in the bathroom, lying on her side with a space heater next to her head.
Investigators also noted the presence of unidentified prescription pills strewn across the countertop, though it remains unclear whether they played a role in her death.
Authorities reported no external or internal trauma on Hackman’s body, though his autopsy revealed severe heart disease and signs of prior heart attacks.
Officials also ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, a theory initially suggested by the actor's daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman.
Last week, officials confirmed that no trace of the toxic gas was found in the couple’s bodies, dispelling speculation that their deaths were due to inhaling harmful fumes.
Medical examiner sheds light on timeline
Dr Heather Jarrell explained that Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which claimed Betsy Arakawa’s life, often starts with flu-like symptoms before rapidly worsening.
Given the timeline of events, authorities believe Hackman may have been living alone with his wife's remains for several days without comprehending what had happened due to his cognitive decline.
His pacemaker had initially recorded its last activity on February 17, but officials have since updated the timeline to indicate that he likely died on February 18.
Gene Hackman's storied career and private life
Gene Hackman, who was widely known for his powerful performances in films such as 'The French Connection' (1971), 'Unforgiven' (1992), and 'The Royal Tenenbaums' (2001), is a two-time Academy Award winner and five-time nominee.
He retired from acting in the early 2000s and lived a reclusive life in Santa Fe with Arakawa, whom he met in the 1980s while she was working at a California gym.
Despite his fame, Hackman preferred a quiet life away from Hollywood’s limelight.
In a 2020 interview with Empire, he revealed that he and Arakawa enjoyed watching low-budget films and indulging in comedy marathons, particularly appreciating the quick wit of Eddie Izzard.
Hackman shared three children with his first wife, Faye Maltese, and spent over 30 years married to Arakawa.
