New autopsy findings reveal that the esteemed actor Gene Hackman passed away primarily due to heart disease, compounded by severe Alzheimer’s disease and likely prolonged starvation. The report indicates that the 95-year-old had a history of heart issues, including congestive heart failure, an aortic valve replacement, and an irregular heartbeat; he had a pacemaker implanted in April 2019.
Hackman displayed a carbon monoxide saturation level below 5%—considered normal—while tests ruled out hantavirus, a rare disease linked to rodent droppings. It was also confirmed through toxicology that he had neither alcohol nor intoxicating drugs in his system, although a low level of acetone suggested he had not eaten for an extended period.
Reports suggest Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, likely passed away from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome at their home on February 11. Her autopsy results are pending. It appears that Hackman may have survived his spouse by approximately a week, possibly unaware of her death. The day he likely died, February 18, his pacemaker indicated an abnormal heart rhythm.
In the days leading up to both their deaths, Arakawa was actively researching flu-like symptoms and related medical information, including COVID-19, as evidenced by her search history. She had also communicated with her masseuse, mentioning that Hackman had woken up feeling unwell.
On February 12, Arakawa attempted to contact a medical concierge service, though her interaction with them was brief. Meanwhile, detectives investigating the scene discovered no signs of forced entry and noted the couple’s prescription medications were found within the home.
The investigation initially sealed all relevant photos and documents due to privacy concerns raised by Hackman’s estate and Arakawa’s family. However, a court allowed the release of most investigative records as long as there were no images of the couple’s remains.
Recent updates and images from the investigation have been made available, providing insights into the circumstances surrounding their mysterious deaths. Investigators collected evidence in the house earlier this month, as they sought to uncover more details regarding the health concerns highlighted in Arakawa’s last searches.