Police release official cause of death for Gene Hackman as cardiovascular disease while his wife’s was ‘natural’

Officials have now confirmed how Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa died.

The bodies of the 95-year-old actor and his 65-year-old classical pianist partner were discovered at their home in the Santa Fe, New Mexico, last Wednesday (26 February).

Speaking during a press conference today (March 7), Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell confirmed the pair’s cause of deaths.

She said: “The cause of death for Mr. Gene Hackman, aged 95 years, is hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor.”

Dr. Jarrell also confirmed Arakawa died of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, adding ‘the manner of death is natural’.

Hantavirus is a rare infectious disease that begins with flu-like symptoms and progresses rapidly to a more severe disease. It can lead to life-threatening lung and heart problems.

Actor Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa pose for a portrait in 1986 (Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Speaking about Arakawa’s death, the Chief Medical Investigator said: “Autopsy examination and full body post mortem CT demonstrated no findings of trauma internally or externally with microscopic findings consistent with Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

“Laboratory testing was positive for Hantavirus at a clinical lab with required confirmation testing positive at scientific laboratories division, testing for Covid-19, influenza and other common respiratory viruses was negative testing for carbon monoxide was negative.

“There were no other significant natural disease findings, pills present on scene, or thyroid medication which were being taken as prescribed and is not currently a concern for a contributory cause of death.”

Officials believe Arakawa likely passed away on February 11, while Hackman probably died around a week later.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said the case will remain an ‘open investigation’ until they tie up the ‘loose ends’.