Autopsy report confirms the cause of death for Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman’s death in SANTA FE, N.M. was primarily caused by heart disease, with the additional factor of being in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease and probable lack of food intake for an extended period, as outlined in a recent autopsy report.

The autopsy report details the deteriorating heart condition of the 95-year-old actor, indicating a history of congestive heart failure, an aortic valve replacement, and irregular heart rhythm. In April 2019, he received a pacemaker to address these issues.

Furthermore, the report mentions that Hackman had a carbon monoxide concentration below 5% saturation, considered normal. Additionally, tests came back negative for the presence of the hantavirus, a rare yet potentially deadly disease transmitted through contaminated rodent waste.

Authorities have said Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, likely died Feb. 11 at home from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Her autopsy report hasn’t yet been released.

A toxicology report says Hackman tested negative for alcohol and intoxicating drugs, but that he had a low concentration of acetone in his system that indicates prolonged fasting.

Hackman appeared to have outlived Arakawa at home by about a week, possibly unaware of his wife’s death. Hackman’s pacemaker showed an abnormal heart rhythm on Feb. 18 — the day he likely died, according to the state’s chief medical examiner.

Records released earlier in the investigation showed Arakawa made phone calls and internet searches as she scoured for information on flu-like symptoms and breathing techniques.

Recently released videos outline the scope of the investigation into the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa.

Before they understood how Hackman and Arakawa died, authorities recorded themselves conducting interviews with workers and returning to Hackman’s home to search for more evidence. Detectives searched the home in early March for Arakawa’s laptop and other clues.

Billeaud reported from Phoenix.