Gene Hackman’s Cause of Death Revealed After Autopsy Findings

Santa Fe, New Mexico — A new autopsy report has revealed the cause of death for actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63. According to the Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico, Hackman had a history of congestive heart failure and severe chronic hypertensive changes affecting his kidneys.

The autopsy showed that Hackman had a bi-ventricular pacemaker implanted in April 2019. The report also noted neurodegenerative features consistent with Alzheimer’s disease.

The autopsy, obtained by Fox News Digital, detailed that Hackman suffered from severe atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. He had undergone procedures involving coronary artery stents, a bypass graft, and a previous aortic valve replacement.

Betsy Arakawa was also found with severe signs of decomposition. Both were discovered in their home on February 26 by maintenance workers. The workers contacted authorities after making the grim discovery.

Detectives initially declared the couple’s deaths suspicious, prompting a thorough investigation. According to officials, no external trauma was identified on either Hackman or Arakawa.

A toxicology report indicated that Hackman had trace amounts of acetone in his system, which may be linked to fasting or diabetic conditions. His acetone levels were recorded at 5.3 mg/dL, considerably higher than the normal level of 0.3 mg/dL.

On February 11, Arakawa sent an email to a massage therapist in which she mentioned that Hackman took a COVID-19 test after showing flu-like symptoms. Investigators found that Arakawa had actively researched COVID-19 symptoms multiple times leading up to her death.

The New Mexico Department of Health confirmed that Arakawa died from Hantavirus. Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell warned that Hantavirus can cause symptoms similar to flu, which can progress to severe respiratory issues.

Gene Hackman is remembered for his roles in iconic films such as “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven.”