SANTA FE, N.M. — New details have emerged regarding the health of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, who passed away two months ago at the age of 95. An autopsy report released by the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator details a range of health issues that contributed to his death, alongside the tragic loss of his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who died a week earlier.
The report indicates that Hackman was suffering from congestive heart failure and severe hypertension, conditions compounded by advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Notably, he tested negative for hantavirus, while Arakawa was confirmed to have died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a serious respiratory condition linked to rodent droppings.
Both Hackman and Arakawa were found deceased in their Santa Fe home on February 26. The initial investigation classified their deaths as natural, but a thorough examination revealed signs of atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease that played a significant role in Hackman’s passing. Authorities indicated that he was likely unaware of his wife’s death due to the advanced state of his Alzheimer’s.
Frequent public sightings of the couple had diminished, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Friends noted that Hackman appeared increasingly frail in recent years, yet he remained connected to the local arts community in Santa Fe, where he and Arakawa lived since the late 1980s.
A subsequent toxicology report showed traces of acetone in Hackman’s system, indicating a prolonged state of fasting, while also revealing that he had not consumed food shortly before his death. Investigators collected several items from their home, including prescription medications, which they believed may shed light on the circumstances leading up to the couple’s deaths.
Although there were no indications of foul play, authorities expressed concerns about the conditions surrounding their fatalities. Both Hackman and Arakawa reportedly died in a manner that suggested they did not have immediate access to assistance.
The couple was laid to rest at a private memorial attended by family and close friends. Hackman’s daughters released a statement reflecting their sorrow over the loss, describing their father as a beloved figure, both on screen and within the family.
Reflecting on his life, friends described Hackman as a modest individual who led a private life, sharing deep connections to his community. Despite his remarkable career in Hollywood, those closest to him remember him as a devoted family man and an active member of Santa Fe culture.
As investigations continue regarding the circumstances of their untimely deaths, the impact of this news weighs heavily on both family and friends, underscoring the fragility of life and the intricate web of health issues that can arise in aging.