Gene Hackman’s Cause of Death Revealed
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The main cause of Gene Hackman’s death was heart disease, but he was also in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease and likely had not eaten for a long time, according to a new autopsy report.
Health Conditions Leading to Death
The report documents the 95-year-old actor’s poor heart health, noting he had experienced congestive heart failure, an aortic valve replacement and an irregular heart beat. He was given a pacemaker in April 2019.
Hackman’s carbon monoxide concentration was less than 5% saturation, which is within the normal range. He tested negative for the hantavirus, which is a rare but potentially fatal disease spread by infected rodent droppings.
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Circumstances Surrounding Death
Authorities have said Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, likely died Feb. 11 at home from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Her autopsy report hasn’t yet been released.
A toxicology report says Hackman tested negative for alcohol and intoxicating drugs, but that he had a low concentration of acetone in his system that indicates prolonged fasting.
Hackman appeared to have outlived Arakawa at home by about a week, possibly unaware of his wife’s death. Hackman’s pacemaker showed an abnormal heart rhythm on Feb. 18 — the day he likely died, according to the state’s chief medical examiner.
Investigation into the Deaths
Records released earlier in the investigation showed Arakawa made phone calls and internet searches as she scoured for information on flu-like symptoms and breathing techniques.
Recently released videos outline the scope of the investigation into the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa.
Before they understood how Hackman and Arakawa died, authorities recorded themselves conducting interviews with workers and returning to Hackman’s home to search for more evidence. Detectives searched the home in early March for Arakawa’s laptop and other clues.
Timeline of Events
The timeline of events surrounding the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa is still being pieced together by authorities. However, it is clear that the couple’s health declined rapidly in the days leading up to their deaths.
Autopsy Reports and Toxicology Results
The autopsy reports and toxicology results provide valuable insight into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa. The reports indicate that Hackman’s death was likely caused by his poor heart health, while Arakawa’s death was likely caused by hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
Conclusion
The deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa are a tragic reminder of the importance of prioritizing health and seeking medical attention when necessary. The investigation into their deaths is ongoing, and authorities are working to piece together the events surrounding their passing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the cause of Gene Hackman’s death?
A: The main cause of Gene Hackman’s death was heart disease, but he was also in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease and likely had not eaten for a long time.
Q: What was the cause of Betsy Arakawa’s death?
A: Authorities believe that Betsy Arakawa likely died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
Q: How long did Hackman and Arakawa go without medical attention?
A: It is estimated that Hackman and Arakawa went without medical attention for an extended period, with Hackman possibly outliving Arakawa by about a week.
Q: What is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
A: Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a rare but potentially fatal disease spread by infected rodent droppings.
Q: Is the investigation into the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa ongoing?
A: Yes, the investigation into the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa is ongoing, and authorities are working to piece together the events surrounding their passing.
