JUST IN: Gene Hackman Died A Week After His Wife, Chilling Autopsy Reveals

Authorities confirmed on Friday that actor Gene Hackman, 95, passed away due to heart disease at his home in New Mexico, likely a week after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, succumbed to hantavirus. The disease, often associated with rodent exposure, can lead to respiratory failure in extreme cases.

The discovery of their bodies on February 26 initially sparked widespread speculation. However, the medical examiner’s findings indicate that both died of natural causes the Associated Press reported.

The tests conducted immediately after finding the bodies showed no signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. The late disclosure of Hackman’s severe Alzheimer’s disease has prompted further questions regarding the couple’s well-being and the delayed discovery of their passing.

Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell suggested that Hackman might not have known his wife had passed away in their home.

“Mr. Hackman showed evidence of advanced Alzheimer’s disease,” Jarrell noted. “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.”

GENE HACKMAN & wife at the Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel. 19JAN2003. Paul Smith / Featureflash

His wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, was discovered in a bathroom, near an open prescription bottle and scattered pills. Authorities later determined that medication played no role in her death. Instead Dr. Jarrell confirmed that Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome—a rare but deadly disease spread by rodent droppings.

Hantavirus infections are more commonly reported in the spring and summer, often when people unknowingly come into contact with contaminated mouse droppings in enclosed spaces like sheds, homes, or poorly ventilated areas. Authorities have not determined how quickly Arakawa succumbed to the disease.

Investigators believe Arakawa likely passed away on Feb. 11, the last day she was known to have run errands. Hackman is thought to have died a week later, on Feb. 18.

Their bodies were not discovered until a maintenance worker, concerned after receiving no response at their home, alerted security, prompting a 911 call. Some details surrounding their final days may never be fully understood, according to Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza.

One lingering question is what Hackman was doing in the house in the days following his wife’s passing.

Gene Hackman on the set of the movie Welcome To Mooseport -soft focus

“It’s hard to get into the frame of mind of what was happening at the time,” Mendoza said according to The New York Times. When asked whether Hackman may have been trying to seek help when he died, the sheriff responded, “I don’t know if we’ll ever have the answer to that question.”

Mendoza said Arakawa was last seen running errands on Feb. 11, visiting a grocery store in the afternoon and later appearing on pharmacy surveillance footage. She returned home around 5:15 p.m., according to records, and did not respond to any emails after that day.

“Numerous emails were unopened on her computer on February 11,” Mendoza said.

Hackman’s autopsy also revealed severe heart disease, including signs of previous heart attacks and multiple heart surgeries, according to Dr. Jarrell. She confirmed that Alzheimer’s disease contributed to his death but noted that Hackman tested negative for hantavirus.

When authorities entered the home, they also found a dog dead inside a crate. The state veterinarian indicated that dehydration or starvation may have been the cause, though a necropsy is being performed to determine an exact cause of death.

Two other dogs, both German shepherds, were discovered alive on the property.