Gene Hackman's Final Autopsy: Details Released

SANTA FE, NM — Gene Hackman's official cause of death was reported Sunday by Fox News, which obtained a final autopsy from the New Mexico medical examiner's office.

Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, were discovered dead Feb. 26 in their Santa Fe home after maintenance and security workers called police.

The Oscar-winning Hackman had a "history of congestive heart failure" and "severe chronic hypertensive changes, kidneys," as well as "neurodegenerative features consistent with Alzheimer's Disease," the outlet reported, citing the autopsy, which noted Hackman had a pacemaker placed in 2019.

He also had "coronary artery stents and a bypass graft, as well as a previous aortic valve replacement," according to Fox News, per the autopsy, and acetone levels consistent with prolonged fasting.

Authorities have said Arakawa died of the rare hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rodent-borne disease that can cause a range of symptoms including flu-like illness, headaches, dizziness and severe respiratory distress. Hackman is believed to have died about a week later.

One of the couple's three dogs also was found dead in a crate near Arakawa's body, while two other dogs were found alive. A state veterinary lab attributed the dog's death to dehydration and starvation.

Arakawa's computer showed that between Feb. 8 and the morning of Feb. 12, she was researching medical conditions related to COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms, according to records released by the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office.

In an email to her masseuse, she said Hackman woke up Feb. 11 with flu or cold-like symptoms and she'd have to reschedule her appointment for the next day. Hackman tested negative for hantavirus, Fox News reported.

Her search history on the morning of Feb. 12 showed she was looking into a medical concierge service in Santa Fe. A call with the service lasted less than two minutes, and she missed a return call later that afternoon, according to investigators.

Hackman's pacemaker showed an abnormal heart rhythm on Feb. 18 — the day he likely died, chief medical examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell has said.

Hackman's body was found in the entryway and Arakawa's body was found in a bathroom in their home on a hill in a gated community with views of the Rocky Mountains far from Hollywood.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.