Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa’s final autopsy reveals new health details

Two months after the death of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, a final autopsy for the couple has been released.

The report, obtained by Entertainment Weekly, listed hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease as the cause of death for Hackman, 95, citing Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor. Meanwhile, Arakawa’s death at 65 is attributed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a disease usually contracted from exposure to mouse droppings that affects the lungs. In both cases, the manner of death was ruled as natural.

The final autopsy additionally sheds further light on Hackman’s state of health at the time of his death. The report notes that Hackman had a “history of congestive heart failure,”  “changes consistent with poor kidney function,”  and “neurodegenerative features consistent with Alzheimer’s disease.” 

A toxicology report for the actor demonstrated “a low concentration of acetone, which can be seen in prolonged fasting,” indicating that Hackman had not eaten for quite some time prior to his death.

Hackman and Arakawa were discovered dead in their Santa Fe, N.M., home alongside one of their three dogs on Feb. 26. Hackman’s body was found in the mudroom next to a pair of sunglasses and a walking cane, and the investigating officer suspected that the actor had “suddenly fallen,” per an affidavit obtained by Entertainment Weekly. The last event recorded on Hackman’s pacemaker occurred Feb. 17.

Arakawa’s body was found in the bathroom, near a variety of scattered pills that were later determined to be a thyroid medication, Tylenol, and diltiazem, a prescription medication used to treat chest pain and high blood pressure. Examiners estimated that Arakawa, who was Hackman’s primary caregiver, died about a week prior to the actor.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said that she was last seen running errands in public on Feb. 11 , and authorities had not found any correspondence from either Hackman or Arakawa after that day. 

Hackman’s death prompted an outpouring of love for the Hollywood star, with tributes from his friends and former costars, including Clint Eastwood, Nathan Lane, Gwyneth Paltrow, Bill Murray, and Morgan Freeman.

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Hackman and Arakawa were laid to rest in a private Santa Fe memorial ceremony, attended by the actor’s three adult children Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie.