Chief medical examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell has officially confirmed the causes of death for Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The couple was discovered last week (February 26) in their Santa Fe home.

Initially, authorities deemed the circumstances of their deaths “suspicious enough” to warrant an investigation. A search warrant revealed that Hackman and Arakawa, who had been married since 1991, had been deceased for “some time” before they were found in separate rooms by maintenance and security workers, who then alerted the authorities.

In a press conference held today (March 7), Dr. Jarrell provided details on their causes of death.

She explained that Arakawa, 65, died from Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, stating: “The manner of death is natural.

“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 coming back positive at the scientific laboratories division. Testing for Covid-19, influenza, and other common respiratory viruses was negative, as was testing for carbon monoxide.”

Regarding Hackman, 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.

“Autopsy examination and a full body post-mortem CT showed no acute findings of internal or external trauma but revealed severe heart disease, including multiple surgical procedures involving the heart, evidence of prior heart attacks, and significant kidney damage caused by chronic high blood pressure.

“Examination of the brain showed advanced Alzheimer’s disease as well as blood vessel changes resulting from chronic high blood pressure.

“Laboratory testing at the scientific laboratories division was negative for Covid-19, influenza, and other common respiratory viruses. Testing for Hantavirus was also negative. Testing for carbon monoxide showed no presence.

“Additionally, there were no autopsy findings indicating a Hantavirus infection in Mr. Hackman.”

Dr. Jarrell went on to address the timeline of their deaths: “I have been asked when death occurred. For these individuals, there is no reliable scientific method to determine the exact time or date of death with complete accuracy.

“Mr. Hackman’s initial pacemaker data recorded cardiac activity on February 17, with subsequent interrogation showing an abnormal atrial fibrillation rhythm on February 18, which was the last recorded heart activity. Based on this information, it is reasonable to conclude that Mr. Hackman likely passed away around February 18.

“Considering the circumstances, it is also reasonable to conclude that Ms. Hackman passed away first, with February 11 being the last time she was known to be alive.”

Dr. Jarrell also provided insight into Hantavirus infection, describing it as a condition that initially presents flu-like symptoms, such as fever, muscle aches, cough, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to shortness of breath, heart failure, and lung failure.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that the case will remain “open” until all remaining details have been resolved.