Gene Hackman and wife's cause of death revealed after Hollywood couple found dead at home

Authorities in New Mexico have disclosed the causes of death for renowned actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The pair had been married since 1991.

Dr Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Examiner for New Mexico, shared the findings in a detailed press conference. According to Dr Jarrell, Betsy likely passed away first, while Gene's death occurred days later, with his pacemaker recording data on February 17.

The last known activity of Betsy was on February 11, when she was last seen alive.

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Dr Jarrell revealed: "The cause of death for Miss Betsy Ackman, 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, laboratory testing."

The medical expert noted that Betsy's test results showed no presence of COVID-19 or influenza. Additionally, Dr Jarrell stated: "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.", reports the Irish Mirror.

In detailing the circumstances surrounding Gene's passing, the medical expert indicated multiple factors contributed to his demise but could not confirm heart failure as the definitive cause.

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."

The Oscar-winning actor Hackman, aged 95, and his 65 year old wife were discovered deceased alongside one of their pets in their Santa Fe, New Mexico residence on Wednesday 26th February. Initially, authorities reported no evident signs of foul play at the scene.

Initial findings from a medical investigation revealed that Hackman and his wife did not suffer "no external trauma". The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office stated last month: "In the early hours of Thursday, February 27 2025, Hackman and Arakawa were transported to the Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI). An autopsy was performed. Initial findings noted no external trauma to either individual."

The official results of the post-mortem examinations and toxicology reports are still pending, and the cause and manner of death have yet to be determined, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Two other dogs were found alive at the property, one inside and one outside. A maintenance worker carrying out pest control at the property raised the alarm after becoming concerned when he hadn't seen the couple, police reported.

Hackman's body was discovered in a mud room, while his wife was found next to a space heater in a bathroom, detectives detailed in the warrant. Hackman's daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, and his granddaughter Annie, expressed their deep sorrow over the loss, stating they will miss the actor "sorely".

They told PA news agency: "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."

Hackman and his wife, a classical pianist, tied the knot in 1991.

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