Off The Record
Police Release Official Cause Of Death For Gene Hackman And His Wife
The cause of death for Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa has finally been verified by authorities.
Last Wednesday, February 26, the remains of the 95-year-old actor and his 65-year-old partner, a classical pianist, were found at their Santa Fe, New Mexico, residence.
Chief medical examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell verified the cause of death for the two during a press briefing today (March 7).
She stated: “The cause of death for Mr. Gene Hackman, aged 95 years, is hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor.”
In addition, Dr. Jarrell stated that “the manner of death is natural” and confirmed that Arakawa passed away from Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
A uncommon infectious disease called hantavirus starts off with flu-like symptoms before quickly worsening. It may result in potentially fatal heart and lung issues.
Speaking about Arakawa’s death, the chief medical examiner said: “Autopsy examination and full body post mortem CT demonstrated no findings of trauma internally or externally with microscopic findings consistent with Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.”
“Laboratory testing was positive for Hantavirus at a clinical lab with required confirmation testing positive at scientific laboratories division, testing for Covid-19, influenza and other common respiratory viruses was negative 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.”
While Hackman is believed to have died a week later, officials believe Arakawa died on February 11.
The case will continue to be a “open investigation” until the “loose ends” are resolved, according to Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza.
Both had been dead for’some time’, according to a Santa Fe police search warrant, and were discovered in separate rooms. According to investigators, the couple’s dog was also discovered deceased under similar circumstances.
A ‘final event’ was recorded on February 17, nine days before their bodies were discovered, according to the Daily Mail, indicating that Hackman was still alive according to tests on his pacemaker.
While Arakawa was discovered dead in a bathroom with an open prescription bottle and pills strewn on the countertop, the 95-year-old was discovered in a mudroom, which is a space used for filthy or damp shoes and clothes.
Two maintenance personnel found the front door of their expansive $3.8 million home unlocked, and two of their three canines were ‘healthy’. These were among the’suspicious’ conditions at the scene.
In addition, a bottle of unsealed prescription tablets was discovered strewn across the bathroom countertop close to Arakawa’s body, while Hackman was discovered lying beside sunglasses and a walking stick.
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