Two months after the tragic discovery of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, dead in their Santa Fe home, the final autopsy results have been released, providing crucial insights into the couple's health at the time of their passing. The bodies of Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, along with one of their dogs, were found by a maintenance worker on February 26. Preliminary reports suggest that Hackman likely died approximately a week after his wife, who succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease transmitted by rodents.
The autopsy report revealed that Hackman suffered from severe atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. This included the placement of coronary artery stents, a bypass graft, and a previous aortic valve replacement. The report, obtained by Fox News Digital, detailed “remote myocardial infarctions” that significantly affected the left ventricular free wall and the septum of his heart. Furthermore, the examination showed advanced stage Alzheimer’s disease, which likely impacted his ability to comprehend his surroundings.
Notably, Hackman had been using a bi-ventricular pacemaker since April 2019. The estimated date of his death was determined based on the last recorded activity from this device. In contrast, Arakawa's estimated time of death was determined to be February 12, the last date she communicated via email or telephone. Given Hackman's dementia, it is believed he may not have realized his wife had passed for six days after her death.
The autopsy further noted that Hackman had a history of congestive heart failure, chronic hypertensive changes in his kidneys, and neurodegenerative features consistent with Alzheimer's disease. Initial investigations ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as a cause of death. Meanwhile, a necropsy report confirmed that Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a serious respiratory condition that has a fatality rate of nearly 40% among those infected.
Confusion surrounded the circumstances of the deaths of Hackman, Arakawa, and their dog, Zinna, especially as two other dogs were discovered alive and healthy. Early suspicions of a gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning were dismissed after the finding that Arakawa died from the rare respiratory disease. Between 1993 and 2017, fewer than 730 cases of hantavirus pulmonary disease were reported in the United States, underscoring the rarity of the condition.
Further investigations into the couple's property uncovered extensive signs of rodent infestation, raising additional concerns about their living conditions. Recently released body cam footage from the local police department’s initial visit to the property indicated that Hackman and Arakawa may have struggled to maintain their home. A discarded plaster found at the scene suggested that Arakawa may have been bitten by a rodent, adding to the tragic narrative surrounding their deaths.
As the investigation continues, questions have emerged regarding why the couple did not have a more robust care package in place. Given Hackman's deteriorating health and the evident risks associated with their living environment, the lack of adequate support raises significant concerns about their well-being in the months leading up to their deaths.
The tragic passing of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa not only highlights the dangers of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome but also serves as a somber reminder of the importance of health monitoring and living conditions for aging individuals.
