The recent report from chief medical examiner Dr Heather Jarrell confirmed that both individuals’ deaths were attributed to natural causes. Specifically, the passing of Hackman was associated with heart disease, with Alzheimer’s disease also contributing to his condition. In contrast, Arakawa’s death was linked to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but serious illness transmitted through the droppings of infected rodents.
On February 18, the date presumed to be Hackman’s time of death, an abnormal heart rhythm was detected in his pacemaker, suggesting a significant cardiac event. While determining the exact timing of their deaths is challenging, Jarrell indicated that evidence suggests they occurred roughly a week apart.
Hackman was discovered in the entryway of the home, while Arakawa’s body was located in a bathroom, highlighting the tragic circumstances surrounding their passings.