Actor Gene Hackman’s Cause of Death Revealed
Authorities revealed Friday that actor Gene Hackman died of heart disease and showed severe signs of Alzheimer’s disease a full week after his wife died of hantavirus in their home.
Authorities initially ruled out foul play after the bodies were discovered Feb 26. Immediate tests for carbon monoxide poisoning were negative.
Investigation and Findings
Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell said it was possible that Hackman was not aware his wife was deceased in their home.
“Mr. Hackman showed evidence of advanced Alzheimer’s disease,” Jarrell said. ”He was in a very poor state of health. He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately that’s what resulted in his death.”
Breaking News
Hackman, 95, was found in the home’s entryway. His death was tied to heart disease with Alzheimer’s disease contributing.
Related News
Actor Gene Hackman, wife Betsy Arakawa, their dog were dead for some time, warrant shows
Cause of Wife’s Death
Betsy Arakawa, 65, was found with an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on the bathroom counter. Authorities linked her death to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease spread by infected rodent droppings.
It is typically is reported in spring and summer, often due to exposures that occur when people are near mouse droppings in homes, sheds or poorly ventilated areas.
Jarrell said it was not known how quickly Arakawa died.
Investigation and Announcement
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza made the announcement alongside state fire and health officials at a news conference.
Investigators earlier retrieved personal items from the couple’s home, including a monthly planner and two cellphones.
Other News
Conclusion
The death of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa has been a shock to many. The investigation has revealed that Hackman died of heart disease with Alzheimer’s disease contributing, while Arakawa died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The authorities have ruled out foul play and are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the cause of Gene Hackman’s death?
A: Gene Hackman died of heart disease with Alzheimer’s disease contributing.
Q: What was the cause of Betsy Arakawa’s death?
A: Betsy Arakawa died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease spread by infected rodent droppings.
Q: Were the authorities able to determine how long the couple had been dead?
A: The authorities were unable to determine how quickly Arakawa died, but it is believed that Hackman may not have been aware that his wife was deceased.
Q: What is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
A: Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a rare but potentially fatal disease spread by infected rodent droppings. It is typically reported in spring and summer, often due to exposures that occur when people are near mouse droppings in homes, sheds or poorly ventilated areas.
