Gene Hackman’s autopsy Reveals Heart disease, Alzheimer’s as Factors; Wife’s Death Caused by Hantavirus
By Archyde News | Published: April 30, 2025
SANTA FE, N.M. — Teh final autopsy reports for Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been released, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding their deaths in February. The reports,obtained by Deadline,detail contributing factors to Hackman’s passing and confirm Arakawa’s cause of death.
Gene Hackman’s Cause of Death: Heart Disease and Alzheimer’s
The autopsy revealed that Hackman, 95, died primarily from severe heart disease. Advanced Alzheimer’s disease was listed as a meaningful contributing factor. The report also indicated that Hackman had a low concentration of acetone in his system, suggesting he hadn’t eaten for several days before his death. He tested negative for both alcohol and intoxicating drugs.
Hackman’s extensive history of heart issues was also documented in the report. He had undergone multiple surgical procedures involving his heart and experienced congestive heart failure.He had an aortic valve replacement and suffered from an irregular heartbeat. A pacemaker had been implanted in April 2019. Records showed the pacemaker registered an abnormal heart rhythm on february 17, believed to be the day of his death, according to New Mexico’s chief medical examiner.
Carbon monoxide levels in Hackman’s system were found to be less than 5%, which is within the normal range.
Did you know? Gene Hackman won two Academy Awards: Best Actor for “The French Connection” (1971) and Best Supporting Actor for “Unforgiven” (1992).
Betsy Arakawa’s Death: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
The autopsy report confirmed that Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and potentially fatal disease transmitted through infected rodent droppings. Her lungs were filled with fluid at the time of her death. The report also noted some mild hardening of the arteries supplying blood to her heart and body.
Arakawa tested negative for both COVID-19 and influenza. The autopsy revealed no signs of trauma. Her carbon monoxide levels were within the normal range. She tested positive for caffeine but negative for alcohol and intoxicating drugs.
Arakawa’s Health Concerns Prior to Death
Investigators previously disclosed that Arakawa had conducted online searches for symptoms related to COVID-19, the flu, and also dizziness and nosebleeds. Police also stated that Arakawa made several calls to a health clinic on February 12 seeking medical treatment, which she did not ultimately receive.
Hantavirus Test Results
Hackman tested negative for the hantavirus, according to the autopsy report.
Privacy and Discovery
Hackman and Arakawa, married since 1991 and known for their reclusive lifestyle, were found deceased along with their dog by maintainance workers on the afternoon of February 26.
Pro Tip: Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a serious but rare disease. Reduce yoru risk by avoiding contact with rodents and their droppings. Wear appropriate protective gear when cleaning areas where rodents may have been present.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What was the primary cause of Gene Hackman’s death? Severe heart disease.
- What was a contributing factor to Gene Hackman’s death? Advanced Alzheimer’s disease.
- How did Betsy Arakawa die? From hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
- When were hackman and Arakawa discovered? February 26.
How can the medical community increase public awareness of rare conditions like Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome?
Archyde Exclusive: Interview with Dr. Anya Sharma on the Gene Hackman Autopsy Findings
By Archyde News | Published: April 30, 2025
Following the release of the autopsy reports for Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, Archyde News reached out to Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading pulmonologist and infectious disease specialist, for expert insights. Dr. Sharma provides clarity on the medical findings and their implications.
The Interview Begins
Archyde News: Welcome, Dr. Sharma. Thank you for joining us. The autopsy reports have revealed some complex findings. Let’s start with Gene Hackman. The primary cause of death was listed as severe heart disease, but Alzheimer’s was also a contributing factor. Can you elaborate on how these two issues might have interacted?
Dr. Sharma: Certainly. In Mr. Hackman’s case, advanced Alzheimer’s likely intricate the management of his heart disease. alzheimer’s can impair cognitive function, making it tough for patients to adhere to medication regimens, dietary restrictions, or even recognize the severity of their symptoms. This, in turn, can exacerbate existing cardiovascular issues. Additionally,the physiological stress from both diseases placed a meaningful strain on his system.
Archyde News: The report mentions mr. Hackman hadn’t eaten for several days preceding his death. Is that details significant, and what could it mean for his treatment?
Dr. Sharma: Yes, that is certainly remarkable. It suggests a decline in his ability to care for himself. It may also have contributed to the severity of his heart condition, and with Alzheimer’s, if he had difficulty eating, it made him a candidate for certain medical issues.
Archyde News: Shifting to Betsy Arakawa, her cause of death was confirmed as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.This is a rare disease. can you explain the disease and how someone contracts it?
Dr. Sharma: Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a very serious respiratory illness transmitted through exposure to infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. People typically contract it by breathing in the virus, often when cleaning or disturbing areas where rodents have been. It progresses very rapidly and causes the lungs to fill with fluid.
Archyde News: Ms. Arakawa was also undergoing some health issues according to reports and was searching for COVID-19 and flu symptoms. Could the initial symptoms of HPS be mistaken for other illnesses initially?
Dr. Sharma: Absolutely. Early symptoms like fever, fatigue and muscle aches can often mimic the flu or early stages of COVID-19. The rapid progression to respiratory distress makes early diagnosis essential. That’s the risk with HPS.
Archyde News: The privacy surrounding Hackman and Arakawa’s lives is well-known, and they were found deceased with their dog. In cases like this, is there any specific protocol usually followed by healthcare professionals involved?
Dr. Sharma: In cases like this, the authorities would have been the first to be alerted. After the authorities come in,there is a large scope of people looking for certain possibilities,whether it be foul play,or illness that may indicate a larger public health issue. Depending on how things were revealed, there may be additional tests, and those protocols are set to ensure safety.
Archyde News: what preventative measures can people take to protect themselves from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, especially in areas where rodents might be present?
Dr. Sharma: The most important thing is to avoid contact with rodents and their droppings. When cleaning areas where rodents might potentially be present, wear a mask, gloves, and eye protection. Also, make sure to ventilate the area well, using a bleach solution if you do clean the area.
Archyde News: Thank you, dr. Sharma, for sharing your insights. This information is incredibly valuable.
Dr. Sharma: My pleasure.
Archyde News: We encourage our readers to share their thoughts. how can the medical community increase public awareness of rare conditions like Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome?
share your comments below.
