Newly released documents from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator reveal that Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman was suffering from advanced Alzheimer's disease, severe heart disease, and kidney failure in the days before his death at age 95, while his wife, Betsy Arakawa, succumbed earlier to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
The autopsy, obtained by Fox News Digital and RadarOnline.com, found Hackman had a "history of congestive heart failure" and "severe chronic hypertensive changes" affecting his kidneys. He had a "bi-ventricular pacemaker" placed in April 2019, and doctors noted "neurodegenerative features consistent with Alzheimer's Disease" during examination of his brain.
"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 medical report stated. "Remote myocardial infarctions were present involving the left ventricular free wall and the septum, which were significantly large."
Medical professionals concluded Hackman was in an "advanced state" of Alzheimer's disease at the time of his death. Dr. Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Examiner for New Mexico, stated during a press conference, "It's quite possible that he was not aware that she was deceased."
Hackman tested negative for hantavirus, while his wife, 65-year-old classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome around February 11, according to authorities. Hackman passed away on February 18, with severe cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's cited as contributing factors.
Following the discovery of their bodies on February 26 by maintenance workers, a health assessment at the couple's $4 million Santa Fe estate revealed an extensive rodent infestation. The New Mexico Department of Public Health described the property's eight detached outbuildings as a "breeding ground" for hantavirus, with dead rodents, nests, and droppings found throughout the compound.
Sources told RadarOnline.com that rodent traps found on the property suggested attempts were made to control the infestation, though not enough to prevent the tragedy. "It's terribly tragic because it shows that they didn't go far enough in combating it," a source said. "It also means their deaths probably were preventable had the right measures been taken."
Authorities confirmed there was no external trauma to either Hackman or Arakawa, and both deaths were ruled natural. Hackman's final toxicology report showed elevated acetone levels, consistent with prolonged fasting, according to medical investigators.
