The death of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman has left many fans mourning the loss of an iconic actor, 

but the details surrounding his final days shed light on the toll that illness took on him. 

On Friday, New Mexico’s Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Heather Jarrell, provided an official statement revealing the causes of death for Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. 

According to Dr. Jarrell, Hackman’s death was primarily attributed to heart issues and advanced Alzheimer’s disease, 

and he passed away a week after Arakawa, who died from a rare disease contracted from rodents.

Heart Disease and Alzheimer’s: Hackman’s Health Struggles

Hackman, who was 95 at the time of his death, had been battling severe health problems in the years leading up to his passing. Dr. Jarrell explained that the actor had a long history of cardiovascular issues, including hypertensive heart disease and atherosclerosis, which had likely contributed to his death. Hackman had also been living with advanced Alzheimer’s disease, which had impacted his cognitive function.

“Examination of the brain showed advanced Alzheimer’s disease, as well as blood vessel changes in the brain,” Dr. Jarrell revealed. Hackman’s pacemaker recorded a cardiac event, indicating that he likely passed away on February 18, a week after his wife’s death. The autopsy also showed that Hackman had endured severe heart disease, prior heart attacks, and changes in the kidneys related to chronic high blood pressure. Despite the severity of his health issues, there were no signs of trauma to his body, either internal or external.

Betsy Arakawa’s Cause of Death: Hantavirus

Betsy Arakawa, who was 65, passed away a week before Hackman on February 11. According to officials, she died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a rare and potentially fatal disease contracted from rodent droppings. The syndrome is not contagious between humans, making it even more unusual and tragic. Arakawa, a classical pianist, was seen at a local grocery store on the day before her death, and it is believed she contracted the virus from the environment in or around her home.

The discovery of Arakawa’s death was equally unsettling. When authorities found her body, it had already begun to decompose significantly, a result of the virus. The Sheriff’s department reported that security camera footage showed Arakawa at a local market on February 11, but no further activity was detected from her after that day. This led authorities to conclude that she likely passed on February 11. Her body was found mummified, with no signs of foul play.

Gene Hackman’s Final Days

Dr. Jarrell emphasized that Hackman’s Alzheimer’s disease could have played a role in him being unaware of his wife’s death. “It is quite possible he was not aware that she was deceased,” she stated, referring to the impact of Alzheimer’s on the actor’s cognitive state. The couple, who had been married since 1991, led a relatively private life in New Mexico and were seldom seen in public. They lived in a secluded area, and maintenance workers discovered their bodies after being unable to contact them for some time.

Authorities revealed that there was a minor carbon monoxide leak at their home, but testing showed that the gas levels were too low to have contributed to their deaths. Despite initial speculation, both Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths were ruled to be natural causes, with no evidence of foul play or external factors contributing to their passing.

Remembering the Couple

Hackman and Arakawa’s relationship, which spanned decades, was one marked by privacy and a peaceful, reclusive lifestyle. Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner best known for his roles in films like The French Connection and Unforgiven, had been living a quieter life in recent years, stepping away from the limelight.

Following the deaths of both Hackman and Arakawa, speculation surrounded their health, with conflicting reports emerging. Hackman’s daughter Leslie Anne claimed that her father had been in good physical condition in the months leading up to his death, while friends described his health as declining in recent years, making him essentially homebound.

The Final Days of a Hollywood Icon

As fans and loved ones continue to grieve the loss of Gene Hackman, his legacy in Hollywood remains undeniable. Hackman, who had a remarkable career spanning several decades, will always be remembered for his contributions to the film industry. His final years were marked by the toll of Alzheimer’s and heart disease, and his death, following the tragic passing of his wife, marks the end of an era for one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors.

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