Health
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Hackman's Death: Autopsy Reveals Heart Failure, Alzheimer's
## Hackman's Death Ruled Due to Heart Failure, Alzheimer's; Wife Died of Hantavirus
Santa Fe, NM – Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, died from congestive heart failure, complicated by pre-existing conditions including Alzheimer's disease, according to a final autopsy obtained by Fox News Digital. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The couple were found deceased in their Santa Fe home on February 26th.
The autopsy revealed Hackman had a history of congestive heart failure, severe chronic hypertensive changes affecting his kidneys, and neurodegenerative features consistent with Alzheimer's disease. He had received a bi-ventricular pacemaker in April 2019, and also had a history of coronary artery stents, a bypass graft, and a previous aortic valve replacement. The autopsy also noted evidence of remote myocardial infarctions. Toxicology results showed elevated acetone levels, consistent with prolonged fasting.
Arakawa's death was attributed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a disease transmitted from rodents to humans, confirmed by the New Mexico Department of Health. Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell explained that the virus can present with flu-like symptoms, potentially progressing to respiratory and heart failure.
The couple's deaths were initially deemed suspicious due to signs of decomposition, described as mummification in Arakawa's hands and feet, and similar signs on Hackman's body. However, investigators found no evidence of external trauma. A search of Arakawa's computer revealed she had researched COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms in the days leading up to her death, and had emailed her massage therapist on February 11th, mentioning Hackman’s flu-like symptoms and a COVID test. One of the couple's three dogs was also found dead, attributed to dehydration and starvation by a state veterinary lab.
Hackman's pacemaker recorded an abnormal heart rhythm on February 18th, a date consistent with his likely time of death according to Dr. Jarrell. The investigation remains ongoing, though authorities have ruled out foul play in the deaths of both Hackman and Arakawa. The couple had maintained a private life in Santa Fe following Hackman’s retirement from acting twenty years ago.
Santa Fe, NM – Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, died from congestive heart failure, complicated by pre-existing conditions including Alzheimer's disease, according to a final autopsy obtained by Fox News Digital. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The couple were found deceased in their Santa Fe home on February 26th.
The autopsy revealed Hackman had a history of congestive heart failure, severe chronic hypertensive changes affecting his kidneys, and neurodegenerative features consistent with Alzheimer's disease. He had received a bi-ventricular pacemaker in April 2019, and also had a history of coronary artery stents, a bypass graft, and a previous aortic valve replacement. The autopsy also noted evidence of remote myocardial infarctions. Toxicology results showed elevated acetone levels, consistent with prolonged fasting.
Arakawa's death was attributed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a disease transmitted from rodents to humans, confirmed by the New Mexico Department of Health. Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell explained that the virus can present with flu-like symptoms, potentially progressing to respiratory and heart failure.
The couple's deaths were initially deemed suspicious due to signs of decomposition, described as mummification in Arakawa's hands and feet, and similar signs on Hackman's body. However, investigators found no evidence of external trauma. A search of Arakawa's computer revealed she had researched COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms in the days leading up to her death, and had emailed her massage therapist on February 11th, mentioning Hackman’s flu-like symptoms and a COVID test. One of the couple's three dogs was also found dead, attributed to dehydration and starvation by a state veterinary lab.
Hackman's pacemaker recorded an abnormal heart rhythm on February 18th, a date consistent with his likely time of death according to Dr. Jarrell. The investigation remains ongoing, though authorities have ruled out foul play in the deaths of both Hackman and Arakawa. The couple had maintained a private life in Santa Fe following Hackman’s retirement from acting twenty years ago.
