The official causes of death for Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been revealed. According to the Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico, a final autopsy report obtained by Fox News Digital confirmed that Hackman had a “history of congestive heart failure” along with “severe chronic hypertensive changes” affecting his kidneys.
The documents also noted that the legendary actor had a “bi-ventricular pacemaker” implanted in April 2019 to help manage his heart condition. In addition, “neurodegenerative features consistent with Alzheimer’s Disease” were observed during the examination, suggesting he had been battling cognitive decline in his final years.
Hackman, who retired from acting in the early 2000s, had lived a quiet life away from the spotlight in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with Arakawa. Their enduring relationship and private lifestyle stood in contrast to the larger-than-life characters Hackman portrayed throughout his celebrated career.
Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa
What killed Gene Hackman and his wife?
“Autopsy showed severe atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with placement of coronary artery stents and a bypass graft, as well as a previous aortic valve replacement,” the documents stated.
“Remote myocardial infarctions were present involving the left ventricular free wall and the septum, which were significantly large. Examination of the brain showed microscopic findings of advanced stage Alzheimer’s disease.”
Gene Hackman tested negative for Hantavirus. “Testing for carbon monoxide was less than 5% saturation, in keeping with a normal range,” the medical examiner noted. A toxicology report found trace amounts of acetone in Hackman’s system when he died. The solvent used for chemicals is “also a product of diabetic- and fasting-induced ketoacidosis as well as a metabolite following isopropanol ingestion,” according to the report.
Gene Hackman’s toxicology test showed acetone levels at 5.3 mg/dl, where as reported normal endogenous acetone levels in blood are up to 0.3 mg/dL. The findings are consistent with a prolonged level of fasting.
Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased on February 26 by maintenance workers Jesse Kesler and Roland Lowe Begay. Kesler, who had served as a personal contractor for the couple for 16 years, made a frantic 911 call upon discovering their bodies.
According to a search warrant affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital, Arakawa was found in an advanced state of decomposition, showing significant bloating in her face and mummification in her hands and feet. Hackman was found nearby, exhibiting similar signs of decomposition as his wife. Authorities believe the couple had been deceased for some time before being discovered.