Nine days have passed since Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered d.e.a.d in their Santa Fe home.
Officials have now confirmed their causes of d.e.a.t.h.
The bodies of the 95-year-old actor and his 65-year-old wife, a classical pianist, were found last Wednesday (February 26) at their residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
During a press conference today (March 7), Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell provided further details on their passing.
She stated, “The cause of d.e.a.t.h for Mr. Gene Hackman, aged 95 years, is hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor.”
Dr. Jarrell also confirmed that Arakawa succumbed to Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, emphasizing that “the manner of death is natural.”
Hantavirus is a rare infectious disease that begins with flu-like symptoms but can rapidly progress to severe respiratory and cardiovascular complications.
Discussing Arakawa’s passing, Dr. Jarrell explained, “Autopsy examination and full body post-mortem CT demonstrated no findings of trauma internally or externally, with microscopic findings consistent with Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
“Laboratory testing was positive for Hantavirus at a clinical lab, with required confirmation testing also positive at the scientific laboratories division. Testing for COVID-19, influenza, and other common respiratory viruses was negative, as was testing for carbon monoxide.
“There were no other significant natural disease findings, pills present on scene, or thyroid medication, which were being taken as prescribed and are not currently a concern for a contributory cause of d.e.a.t.h.”
Authorities estimate that Arakawa pa:ss:ed away on February 11, while Hackman is believed to have d.i.e.d approximately a week later.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that the case remains an “open investigation” as officials work to resolve any remaining uncertainties.
A previously obtained search warrant indicated that the couple had been deceased for some time before their discovery, with their bodies found in separate rooms. Additionally, their dog had also d.i.e.d under similar circumstances.
Testing on Hackman’s pacemaker suggested that he was still alive as of February 17, with a recorded “last event,” according to the Daily Mail—nine days before their bodies were found.
Hackman was located in a mudroom, a space typically used for removing wet or dirty footwear, while Arakawa was discovered in a bathroom, where an open prescription bottle and scattered pills were found on the countertop.
Among the unusual details at their $3.8 million estate, maintenance workers noted that the front door was unlocked. Furthermore, two of the couple’s three dogs were found alive and in good health.
Hackman’s body was found near a walking stick and a pair of sunglasses, while an open bottle of prescription pills was found next to Arakawa’s body in the bathroom.
