Cause of Gene Hackman’s Death Revealed; Wife died of Hantavirus
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SANTA FE,N.M. (AP) — Teh cause of death for Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman, whose passing remained a mystery for two months, has been revealed. Hackman, 95, died from complications of severe heart disease, according to the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator.
Hackman’s Health Issues
An autopsy report indicated Hackman had a history of congestive heart failure and severe chronic hypertensive changes in the kidneys. He had a biventricular pacemaker implanted in April 2019. The report also suggested neurodegenerative problems, potentially Alzheimer’s disease.
Documents further revealed atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, stents in the coronary artery, a bypass graft, and a previous aortic valve replacement.

Initial Concerns and Autopsy Findings
Following the discovery of Hackman and his wife at their home, initial concerns included potential poisoning, suicide, or foul play. Though, the autopsy provided a clearer picture.
Hackman suffered several remote myocardial infarctions affecting the left ventricle. Microscopic examination of the brain showed findings consistent with advanced Alzheimer’s disease.
Hantavirus and Betsy Arakawa’s death
While Gene Hackman tested negative for Hantavirus, a rodent-borne disease, it was confirmed as the cause of death for his wife, betsy Arakawa, 65.

Other Factors
The coroner’s report indicated a normal carbon monoxide saturation level of less then 5%. Acetone traces were found in his system, possibly due to ketoacidosis induced by diabetes and fasting.
Possible Scenario
Reports suggest that Hackman, possibly disoriented due to his advanced neurodegenerative disease, may have been unaware of his wife’s death and wandered the house for days.
Hackman died approximately one week after his wife, around Feb. 18, from severe heart disease, with Alzheimer’s and kidney disease as contributing factors. A health inspection by the New Mexico Department of public Health found rodent droppings and nests, potentially creating a breeding ground for Hantavirus.

Hantavirus Claimed Wife’s Life
Arakawa’s death, around Feb. 12, was attributed to respiratory symptoms caused by Hantavirus, a rare but deadly infection transmitted through rodent excretions.
Gene Hackman’s Death: Unraveling the mystery and the Tragedy
Q: What was the cause of death for Gene Hackman?
A: According to the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, Gene Hackman, the celebrated actor, died from complications of severe heart disease.
Q: What other health issues did Gene Hackman have?
A: The autopsy report revealed that hackman had a history of congestive heart failure and notable chronic hypertensive changes in his kidneys. He had a biventricular pacemaker implanted in April 2019.The report also raised concerns about neurodegenerative problems that could have been early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Further, the report also revealed atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, stents in a coronary artery, a bypass graft, and a previous aortic valve replacement.
Q: How did Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, die?
A: Betsy Arakawa, Gene Hackman’s wife, died from Hantavirus. This rodent-borne disease caused respiratory symptoms, leading to her death around February 12th.
Q: What is Hantavirus?
A: Hantavirus is a rare but often deadly infection transmitted through contact with rodent excretions.
Q: Was Gene Hackman infected with Hantavirus?
A: No, Gene Hackman tested negative for Hantavirus.
Q: What other factors were considered in Hackman’s death?
A: The coroner’s report indicated hackman’s carbon monoxide saturation level was normal, less than 5%. Traces of acetone were found in his system, possibly due to ketoacidosis induced by diabetes and fasting.
Q: What is a possible scenario surrounding Hackman’s death?
A: Reports suggest that Hackman, perhaps disoriented due to his advanced neurodegenerative disease, may have been unaware of his wife’s death. It is indeed possible that he wandered the house for days after her passing.
Q: When did Gene Hackman die?
A: Gene Hackman died approximately one week after his wife, around February 18th.
Q: What else was noted in the health inspection of the residence?
A: A health inspection by the New Mexico Department of Public Health found rodent droppings and nests, potentially creating a breeding ground for Hantavirus, contributing to the death of Betsy Arakawa.
