The cause of deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have been revealed, after the couple were found dead at their home in New Mexico earlier this year
The cause of death for Hollywood icon Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, has been disclosed. The couple, who had been married since 1991, passed away in New Mexico, with the details surrounding their deaths being shared by Dr Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Examiner for New Mexico at the office of the Medical Investigator.
In a press conference filled with specifics, Dr Jarrell stated that Betsy likely passed away first, with Gene dying a week later – his pacemaker recorded data up until February 18. Betsy’s last known activities were on February 11, when she was last seen alive.
Dr Jarrell revealed: “The cause of death for Miss Betsy Hackman, aged 65 years, is hantavirus, pulmonary syndrome. The manner of death is natural, autopsy, examination and full body post mortem, CT demonstrated no findings of trauma, internally or externally, with microscopic findings consistent with Coronavirus pulmonary syndrome.”
She further clarified that neither COVID-19 nor influenza was detected in Betsy. She added: “Testing for carbon monoxide was negative. There were no other significant natural disease findings. Pills present on scene, or thyroid medication, which were being taken as prescribed and is not currently a concern for a contributory cause of death.”
The medical expert shed light on the multiple factors contributing to Gene’s passing but clarified that heart failure could not be definitively confirmed. She also disclosed that the celebrity had been grappling with Alzheimer’s disease before his demise, reports the Mirror.
Dr Jarrell stated: “The cause of death for Mr. Gene Hackman 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.”
She added: “Examination of the brain showed advanced Alzheimer’s disease, as well as blood vessel changes in the brain secondary to chronic high blood pressure. Laboratory testing performed at scientific laboratories division was negative for COVID, 19, influenza and other common respiratory viruses. Testing for Hantavirus was negative. Testing for carbon monoxide was negative. Additionally, there were no autopsy findings concerning for Hantavirus infection.”
A detailed outline of Betsy’s last known movements has emerged, starting with an email she sent to a massage therapist at about 11:21am on 11 February. Later in the day, she was spotted at a local Farmers Market from approximately 3:30pm to 4:15pm.
Following this, Betsy made a quick trip to a CVS Pharmacy in Santa Fe, where she was between 4:12pm and 4:20pm. Her next stop was a visit to a nearby pet store around 4:54pm.
The Police disclosed that CCTV footage captured her car arriving back at home by 5:15pm. Interestingly, they also found emails dated 11 February that had not been opened.
Authorities are working with phone companies to retrieve records from devices belonging to Gene and Betsy.
The exact date of the musician’s death hasn’t been specified by police, but they confirmed that her last known public sighting and active email communications were on 11 February. Notably, Gene passed away about a week after Betsy.
His pacemaker provided vital information regarding the timing of his demise.
Dr Jarrell stated: “Mr. Hackman’s initial pacemaker data revealed cardiac activity on February 17, with subsequent pacemaker interrogation demonstrating an abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation on February 18, which was the last record of heart activity. Based on this information, it is reasonable to conclude that Mr. Hackman probably died around February 18.”
New details have emerged surrounding the tragic discovery at a residence last month, where the deceased body of a dog was found alongside its owners. The couple’s beloved pet, Zinna, had recently been treated at a local vet clinic and was collected by Betsy on her last day seen alive.
Addressing the curious circumstances, police noted: “[This] may explain why the dog was in a crate at the residence.”
In a press briefing, an inquiry was made about the possibility of Zinna contracting hantavirus; however, Dr Jarrell clearly refuted this idea by asserting that dogs are not susceptible to the illness.
The distressing narrative of Gene’s closing days was further detailed during the Friday update. Legendary actor Hackman, age 95, along with his 65 year old wife, were discovered deceased in their Santa Fe home in New Mexico on Wednesday, 26th February.
Authorities initially observed no signs of foul play. A pest control worker raised concerns after noticing an absence of any sightings of the pair, prompting police investigation.
Hackman was located in a mud room, while his wife was found near a space heater within a bathroom, as described in the search warrant. Devastatingly, Hackman’s children, Elizabeth and Leslie, alongside his granddaughter Annie, expressed profound grief over his death, stating they will “sorely” miss him and are “devastated by the loss”.
A statement released to the PA news agency read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy. He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”