Gene Hackman's final days: Actor may have wandered around home, starving and confused after wife's death

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Hollywood icon Gene Hackman, best known for his Oscar-winning performances in 'The French Connection' and 'Unforgiven', spent his final days in a heartbreaking state of confusion and isolation, according to officials.

The legendary actor, who died at the age of 95, may have wandered through his sprawling Santa Fe mansion in a dazed and weakened condition after the death of his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65.

Gene Hackman’s final days of wandering alone after sudden death of his wife

Gene Hackman’s death on February 18 was followed by the sudden death of Arakawa, who died of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a deadly virus contracted through rodent droppings. The couple's home, nestled in a secluded area in Santa Fe, became the site of a grim and tragic end.

Authorities believe that Hackman, already in poor health and suffering from advanced Alzheimer's disease, did not fully grasp the extent of the tragedy unfolding in his home.

"Mr Hackman showed evidence of advanced Alzheimer´s disease," said Dr Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Investigator for the state of New Mexico. "He was in a very poor state of health. He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately that's what resulted in his death."

Police confirmed that Hackman’s wife, Arakawa, died on February 11 after a rapid decline from HPS, which presents initially with flu-like symptoms but can quickly lead to severe respiratory issues and organ failure.

Arakawa was found lying on the floor of the bathroom, with thyroid medication pills scattered around her, near a space heater, a sign of her tragic last moments.

As per the authorities, Hackman may have roamed the vast 9,000-square-foot house for seven days, disoriented and alone, without his partner of thirty years to care for him or their three beloved dogs, Daily Mail reported.

An autopsy revealed his stomach was empty at the time of his death. Hackman was discovered dead in a room near the kitchen, with his cane and sunglasses beside him, following an apparent fall, suggesting he might have been attempting to leave the house before his frail heart gave out.

The last recorded activity from his pacemaker occurred on February 18, yet assistance didn't come until more than a week later.

Gene Hackman's dogs left to fend for themselves

The couple’s three dogs, who had been lovingly cared for by Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, were also left to fend for themselves. Their pet Zinna, who had been picked up from a veterinary hospital just two days before Arakawa's death, was found dead in a bathroom closet.

The animal had likely been in a crate due to its recent medical care. Meanwhile, two other dogs, a German Shepherd named Bear and a second dog named Nikita, were found loose on the 12-acre property. A dog door allowed them access to food and water.

The scene of chaos, with Hackman’s body and Arakawa’s decomposing remains, paints a tragic picture of isolation and despair. The bodies were discovered nearly two weeks later by maintenance workers who had arrived to tend to the property.

The official cause of Hackman’s death was determined to be cardiovascular disease.