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Gene Hackman and his wife's cause of death revealed. Here's how they died
Gene Hackman and his wife's death was confirmed as natural causes by the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator.
Gene Hackman’s cause of death has been officially released following his passing alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator reported Arakawa’s death was caused by hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and potentially fatal disease. Hackman, on the other hand, passed away due to heart disease and complications related to Alzheimer’s, with his death classified as resulting from natural causes.
The medical investigator’s report also indicated that Hackman’s pacemaker last recorded activity on February 18, leading officials to conclude that he “probably died around Feb. 18.”
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Hackman’s Alzheimer’s raises questions in wife’s death
Dr. Heather Jarrell, New Mexico’s chief medical examiner, noted that, due to Hackman’s Alzheimer’s disease, it is possible he was unaware of his wife’s death. An autopsy revealed that Hackman’s stomach was empty, though he did not appear to be dehydrated.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza of Santa Fe County also stated that investigators found no evidence of Hackman communicating with anyone after Arakawa’s passing.
“It’s hard to get into the frame of mind of what was happening at the time,” Mendoza stated. “I don’t know if we’ll ever have the answer to that question,” the sheriff sighed while responding to reporters, per The New York Times.
What is Hantavirus? Disease that claimed Betsy Arakawa
Hantavirus, the disease that led to Arakawa’s death, is rare and primarily contracted through exposure to rodent excrement. In New Mexico, the deer mouse is the primary carrier of the virus. The disease can initially present with flu-like symptoms before progressing to severe respiratory distress and potential organ failure.
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On the other font, Hackman’s autopsy revealed that he suffered from severe heart disease, with evidence of past heart attacks and multiple heart-related surgical procedures. He tested negative for hantavirus.
Dr. Jarrell stated that Alzheimer’s disease was a contributing factor in his death. “He was in a very poor state of health,” she said.
