Gene Hackman & Wife's Cause Of Death Revealed After Extended Investigation

Gene Hackman's cause of death, as well as that of his wife Betsy Arakawa, has been revealed. The legendary actor was found dead in his New Mexico home on Wednesday, February 26. His wife was also found dead alongside him, as well as their dog. In the immediate aftermath, local authorities deemed their deaths suspicious, as there was no clear cause and no visible signs of harm. A gas leak was also swiftly ruled out. An investigation soon began as industry figures and fans mourned Hackman's passing.

Now, the New Mexico Chief Medical Examiner has announced that Hackman died of "advanced Alzheimer's disease" and severe heart disease (per Deadline). Though he was found on February 26, the medical examiner believed he actually passed on February 18, and there was evidence he had not eaten in several days. Arakawa, meanwhile, appeared to have died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome; she died either on or around February 11. During a press conference, Dr. Heather Jarrell said:

It is reasonable to conclude that Mr. Hackman died on February 18. He was in very poor health.
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 examination demonstrated no acute findings of internal or external trauma, and showed severe heart disease, including multiple surgical procedures involving the heart, evidence of prior heart attacks and severe changes of the kidneys due to chronic high blood pressure.
I’d like to kindly ask for everyone to please respect the privacy that Mr. Gene Hackman, Miss Betsy Hackman, and their family and friends, deserve.

Additional Details About Hackman's Death Explained

The Full Picture Comes Into Focus

The new findings regarding Hackman's death fall in line with what had previously been discovered. As the investigation got underway, it was revealed that the actor's pacemaker had stopped working on February 17; with the medical examiner concluding he likely passed a day later, it further supports the confirmation that heart disease played a role. Hackman had previously discussed his heart struggles, many of which were referenced in Jarrell's statement.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, Arakawa's cause of death, is spread by rodent feces, and Hackman did not have it.

Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza shared additional information about Arakawa's death as well, explaining that on the assumed day of her death, she was seen out running errands. Email records show that, after February 11, there were no outgoing communications from her. In the initial reporting, it was said that pills were found by Arakawa, turning out to be Diltiazem, Tylenol, and thyroid medication. Finally, Sherrif Mendoza added that the investigation is still ongoing, as while the police are close to concluding the matter, there are still "loose ends that we need to tie up."

Our Take On The Ongoing Investigation

It's A Relief To Get More Answers

Gene Hackman as Nicholas Porter Earp happily having supper with his family in Wyatt Earp

A respected actor known for his roles in Superman, The French Connection, and Unforgiven, among many others, Hackman was an enduring presence within Hollywood despite the fact that he had largely retreated from public life in recent years. His work has long been admired, and so the news of his passing struck a chord for many. Though the initial news of what transpired was distressing, there is a comfort that comes from understanding more about the situation. Additional details will likely emerge in the coming weeks to further clarify what happened.

Source: Deadline