Nine days have passed since Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home. Officials have now confirmed the causes of their deaths.
The bodies of the 95-year-old actor and his 65-year-old wife, a classical pianist, were discovered in their residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico, last Wednesday (February 26).
During a press conference today (March 7), chief medical examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell provided details on their causes of death.
She stated, “The cause of death 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 died from Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, adding that “the manner of death is natural.”
Hantavirus is a rare infectious disease that initially presents flu-like symptoms but can quickly develop into 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 death.”
Authorities estimate that Arakawa passed away on February 11, while Hackman is believed to have died a week later.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that the case remains an “open investigation” as they work to resolve any remaining “loose ends.”
A previously obtained search warrant revealed that the couple had been deceased for some time before being discovered, with their bodies found in separate rooms. Authorities also noted that their dog had died under similar circumstances.
Testing on Hackman’s pacemaker indicated 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 discovered in a mudroom, a space used for removing dirty or wet footwear and clothing, while Arakawa was found in a bathroom with an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on the countertop.
Among the “suspicious” details at their $3.8 million estate was the fact that the front door was unlocked, which was noticed by two maintenance workers. Additionally, two of the couple’s three dogs were reportedly in good health.
Hackman was found lying near a walking stick and sunglasses, while an open bottle of prescription pills was found next to Arakawa’s body in the bathroom.
