Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, according to her final autopsy report released on Tuesday. The report confirmed that the 65-year-old classical pianist’s lungs were heavy and congested at the time of her death, indicating an advanced stage of the disease. Fluid accumulation in her chest and mild hardening of the vessels that supplied blood to her heart and body were also noted.
Arakawa tested negative for COVID-19, the flu, alcohol, and intoxicating drugs, and her body showed no signs of trauma. Her carbon monoxide levels were within the normal range. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening illness transmitted to humans from the infected urine, droppings, or saliva of certain species of rats and mice.
It can also spread through a bite or scratch from these rodents. Symptoms initially include chills, fever, headache, muscle aches, and abdominal pain, progressing to coughing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest as the lungs fill with fluid. During the investigation, the New Mexico Department of Health inspected the couple’s property.
While no evidence of rodent activity was found in the main dwelling, rodent feces were discovered in all three garages and in two casitas.
Autopsy results reveal cause of death
Additionally, three sheds on the property were accessible to rodents.
Surprisingly, Gene Hackman, aged 95, tested negative for hantavirus. However, his final autopsy revealed that he had advanced Alzheimer’s disease, which was a significant contributory factor to his passing. Hackman’s death was attributed to “severe atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease,” with Alzheimer’s disease listed as a contributing condition.
The autopsy showed he had undergone various heart procedures, including the installation of coronary artery stents, a bypass graft, and an aortic valve replacement. Authorities revealed that Hackman’s pacemaker last showed activity on February 18, while the autopsy indicated his “last recorded cardiac activity” was on February 17. Dr. Jarrell, the state’s chief medical examiner, speculated that due to his Alzheimer’s disease, Hackman may not have been aware of Arakawa’s death, which is believed to have occurred around February 11, the last known communication from her.
Although Hackman’s body was found in a mudroom near his cane and Arakawa was discovered in an open bathroom near a space heater, foul play was not suspected. The tragic scenario suggests that Hackman’s declining health, exacerbated by his cardiac and neurodegenerative conditions, coincided with Arakawa’s fatal bout with hantavirus. This tragic episode underscores the serious nature of viral illnesses such as HPS and the importance of preventative measures to minimize exposure to rodent-borne diseases.
The release of these autopsy details offers a clearer picture of the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the beloved actor and his wife, providing closure to their fans and loved ones.
