Gene Hackman’s Shocking Autopsy: Heart Failure, Alzheimer’s & More Revealed

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More details about Gene Hackman‘s health have been revealed, two months after his death.

The autopsy report from the New Mexico Medical Investigator’s Office (obtained by Fox News Digital) reveals that the two-time Academy Award winner, who passed away at 95 in his Santa Fe residence, alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa on February 26th, had a past medical history of congestive heart failure. Furthermore, he suffered from severe chronic hypertensive changes in the kidneys and was also diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

The document indicated that Hackman’s test results were negative for hantavirus, in contrast to his spouse who, at 65 years old, had previously passed away due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome – a serious lung disease spread by rodent urine, droppings, and saliva.

The autopsy report indicated advanced atherosclerosis and high blood pressure-related heart diseases. It was also mentioned that the individual had undergone procedures such as coronary artery stenting and a bypass graft, along with a prior aortic valve replacement. (Fox News Digital)

The text goes on to say, “There were instances of remote heart attacks affecting both the left ventricular free wall and the septum, these areas being quite extensive. Upon closer examination, signs of advanced-stage Alzheimer’s disease were found in the brain at a microscopic level.

In March, it was announced that Hackman and his wife had passed away due to natural causes – she on February 11th and him a week later – at their residence in New Mexico. The cause of the actor famous for playing Superman was found to be Hypertensive and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD), with Alzheimer’s disease being a significant contributing factor to his death.

The medical expert additionally disclosed that Hackman was at a highly progressive stage of Alzheimer’s, suggesting it was likely he wasn’t conscious of the fact that his wife had passed away. Moreover, it was noted that there was no trace of food found in his stomach.

The results of the last toxicology test on the actor, conducted by New Mexico’s Office of the Medical Investigator, align with prolonged periods without food, as they revealed minimal levels of acetone, a substance linked to both diabetes and fasting-induced ketoacidosis, according to Fox News Digital.

Hackman and Arakawa had a private memorial service earlier this month, where their children, Christopher (aged 65), Elizabeth (62), and Leslie (58), along with other relatives and friends, were present to pay their respects.

Read on for more about the investigation into Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths.

On February 26, Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, who had been married for 33 years, were discovered deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico residence by two maintenance workers. They noticed the bodies through a window from outside the house. The authorities were alerted when the caretaker of the gated community where the couple resided was notified and subsequently called emergency services (911).

The caller informed 911, based on an audio recording, that “They are not going anywhere at the moment.” The caller then requested, “Could you please dispatch someone here urgently.

Upon the arrival of Santa Fe County sheriff’s deputies, they discovered Arakawa, aged 65, lying on the floor of a bathroom situated to the left of the front door. The affidavit from a search warrant dated February 27, obtained by TopMob News, indicates that she was dressed in a sweatshirt and sweatpants. Additionally, there was an open prescription pill bottle and pills scattered loosely on the countertop.

95-year-old Hackman was found lying down in what authorities referred to as a small room adjacent to the kitchen, according to the search warrant. Near his body were a walking cane and a pair of sunglasses.

Amongst the couple’s three dogs, it was initially mistaken for their German Shepherd named Bear but turned out to be their Australian Kelpie mix called Zinna who was discovered deceased in a bathroom closet, as stated in the warrant. A dog that appeared healthy was found near Arakawa’s body, while another seemingly healthy one was roaming outside, leaving the third dog unaccounted for.

On February 26, around 9:30 p.m., a search warrant was carried out at the house, and the bodies of Hackman and Arakawa were taken away the next morning.

Although the sheriff’s office announced on February 27 that there was no indication of criminal activity, the investigators found the circumstances leading to the deaths of the two people to be questionable enough for a detailed examination and probe, as suggested in the warrant.

According to the warrant, there was no apparent evidence of blunt-force injuries, carbon monoxide exposure, or unauthorized entry into the residence. Instead, deputies observed that the front door was slightly open.

Additionally, there were indications suggesting that Hackman and Arakawa had been deceased for some time. A deputy noted that Arakawa’s body exhibited partial decomposition, with mummification occurring around her hands and feet, according to the search warrant. Similarly, Hackman’s body displayed similar signs of decay. Furthermore, both bodies appeared as if they might have collapsed unexpectedly.

The individual who initially discovered the bodies informed investigators that his most recent conversation with the couple occurred approximately two weeks prior, as stated in the search warrant. Typically, his interactions with Arakawa were through phone calls and text messages.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza informed the Santa Fe New Mexican that we are currently conducting an initial inquiry into a potential death case. He wants to reassure the community and neighbors that at this moment, there’s no present threat to anyone’s safety.

During a search, as outlined in the warrant summary, items such as two mobile devices, medications for blood pressure and thyroid, Tylenol, personal medical records, and a planner from the year 2025 were taken by the investigators.

At a news conference held on February 28, Sheriff Mendoza stated that the last registered activity on Hackman’s pacemaker was on February 17. This leads to a strong presumption that it was likely Hackman’s final day alive.

Mendoza explained that they were examining “mobile device information such as calls, texts, images, and saved events” in an attempt to construct a chronology of events.

But it wasn’t going to be easy.

According to the sheriff’s statement on TODAY, “We recognize that this situation is complicated due to their private nature. At present, we are gathering all relevant details.

In a heartfelt declaration, the actor’s daughters Leslie, Elizabeth, and granddaughter Annie announced the demise of their beloved father, Gene Hackman, along with his wife, Betsy. While the world knew him for his illustrious acting career that was adored by millions, to us he was simply Dad and Grandpa. We will deeply mourn his absence and are heartbroken by this loss.

Leslie Anne Allen, one of the three children actor Faye Maltese shared with him, revealed to Fox News Digital that it had been several years since she last saw her father due to living in California and his reduced travel. However, they’ve managed to stay connected over the past couple of months.

1. “She expressed deep affection for him,” she stated, noting that he was an exceptionally kind-hearted individual. Additionally, Leslie confirmed that he maintained his health by regularly engaging in yoga and pilates exercises.

2. “She declared her strong affection for him,” she revealed, emphasizing his genuine goodness of heart. Furthermore, according to Leslie, he kept himself healthy through the regular practice of both yoga and pilates.

3. “She conveyed her deep love for him,” she shared, highlighting his kind-hearted nature. Moreover, Leslie attested that he prioritized his health by consistently practicing yoga and pilates.

4. “She acknowledged her deep affection for him,” she disclosed, underscoring his good-natured character. To add, Leslie verified that he took care of his health by doing yoga and pilates on a regular basis.

5. “She professed her profound love for him,” she divulged, pointing out that he was a genuinely compassionate person. In addition, Leslie testified that he practiced yoga and pilates to keep himself fit regularly.

Over time, relatives expressed their attempts to disregard speculations regarding potential incidents, preferring to hold off on definitive conclusions until they received authoritative responses instead.

According to Tim Hackman, who is the nephew of the late actor and brother of Richard Hackman, we are currently awaiting toxicology results. These findings will provide us with all the necessary information. At this point, it’s challenging to engage in guesswork. There are numerous theories circulating, but I prefer not to indulge in speculation, as it can easily lead to negative conjecture.

He commented, “At his age of 95, one might contemplate, ‘It’s about time.’ However, recent events have altered the situation significantly. It’s a significant shift.

Since the late 1980s, Hackman – who last appeared in a movie in 2004 with “Welcome to Mooseport” – has resided in Santa Fe alongside Arakawa. An artist himself, he was deeply involved in the local art community and served on the board of the Georgia O’Keefe Museum from 1997 until 2004.

According to longtime friend and gallery owner Stuart Ashman, he was quite an understated person despite having fascinating tales about Hollywood and famous celebrities. To him, Ashman said, “He was just an ordinary man.

Jennifer LaBar-Tapia, Santa Fe’s film commissioner, expressed to the media that both Hackman and Arakawa have roots deeply embedded within Santa Fe.

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve noticed a significant decrease in the familiar face of my beloved actor, Mr. Hackman, in our local neighborhood. My pal, Daniel Lenihan, shared with People that this gentleman, who always took his dogs for walks, rode his bike around town, and supported our community businesses, has been mostly confined at home lately. His son, Aaron Lenihan, mentioned that they’ve been making efforts to keep him active, engaged, and healthy, but Daniel expressed concerns, stating that Hackman seems to be “really slipping.

According to Daniel’s spouse, Barbara Lenihan, the renowned classical pianist, Arakawa, was in exceptional health and was extremely fit.

In March 2024, a photograph taken by paparazzi showing a weak-appearing Hackman and Arakawa in public was published by Page Six.

On February 28th, Sheriff Mendoza informed reporters that the tests for carbon monoxide poisoning on Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies were negative. However, he pointed out that it might take up to three months, or even longer, for complete autopsy and toxicology results.

On March 4, the New Mexico Gas Company announced that although a very small leak was detected in a stove burner, the amount of carbon monoxide released was insufficient to be potentially deadly. Moreover, their investigation failed to uncover any additional leaks or problems with the gas lines.

The investigators mentioned discovering multiple building code infractions in the residence, however, none related to gas or carbon monoxide issues.

At a news conference on March 7th, New Mexico’s Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Heather Jarrell, announced that the cause of Arakawa’s death was Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, an uncommon lung disease that can be contracted by coming into contact with rodent urine, feces, or saliva.

During this time, Hackman appeared to be in the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, as stated by Jarrell. His health was severely compromised, with a serious heart condition being a major factor leading to his passing.

Arakawa may have experienced flu-like symptoms before she died, the medical examiner said.

Erin Phipps, a veterinarian working with the public health department of New Mexico, stated that the couple’s home presented a low risk for exposure, yet evidence of rodents was found in other buildings on the property.

122 instances of hantavirus, resulting in 52 fatalities, were documented in New Mexico by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over the period from 1993 to 2022.

Based on the coroner’s findings, it appears that Arakawa, who was last seen running errands on February 11, had already passed away approximately a week before Hackman, whose last recorded pacemaker activity suggests he died around February 18 (though this was originally reported as February 17 by authorities).

Their bodies weren’t discovered for another eight days, so 15 days after Arakawa died.

According to what’s known, Hackman remained in the house with his wife’s remains until he also expired, apparently on his own.

Jarrell stated that it seemed likely he hadn’t known she had passed away. Hackman, as she pointed out, hadn’t eaten before his death, yet he wasn’t found to be dehydrated.

State Veterinarian Phipps reported that the family’s pet dog, Zinna, tragically passed away due to being left without food or water, while confined in a bathroom crate.

According to Sheriff Mendoza on March 7, there’s currently no sign that someone was responsible for taking care of the house.

For quite some time, Arakawa had been overseeing her husband’s daily activities, arranging his golf outings and social visits with friends, as stated by friend Tom Allin. He shared this information with the New York Times, mentioning that he’s known Hackman for two decades, but it was always Arakawa who he conversed with over the phone.

As a devoted admirer, let me tell you, she was his guardian angel, always watching over him. If it weren’t for her, he wouldn’t be here today. She literally saved his life on numerous occasions.

According to his friend, Ashman, everyone who knew Hackman should have been reaching out to check on him. It’s heartbreaking, he said, that he wasn’t aware of this, and it’s even more tragic because she passed away a week prior. Oh my, what a sad turn of events.

On what seemed to be her final day alive, Arakawa sent an email to her massage therapist early in the morning. Later in the day, she visited a grocery store and made a stop at a pharmacy, followed by a visit to a pet store. According to officials, she was back home around 5:15 p.m. She didn’t respond to any emails after February 11th.

Sheriff Mendoza stated his conviction that she often donned a mask during her outings, a practice her companions affirmed, as she was anxious about potentially transmitting any diseases back to her husband at home.

Although the coroner ascertained that Arakawa likely passed away on February 11, a local physician claims they had a conversation with her the day after.

On February 12th in the morning, a call was returned and one of our doctors conversed with her, instructing her to visit us that very afternoon. As relayed by Dr. Josiah Child, who manages Cloudberry Health in Santa Fe, this information was shared with the DailyMail during an interview published on March 17th. However, despite scheduling an appointment for her, she failed to appear.

In my professional capacity, I’d like to clarify that our recent communication wasn’t about the Hantavirus. I attempted reaching out to her on a few occasions, but unfortunately, I haven’t received a response yet.

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2025-04-28 03:48