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The ongoing investigation into actor, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa's death seems to have made some progress. As per the latest updates, Gene Hackman died due to cardiovascular conditions while his Betsy suffered an infectious illness. Authorities speculate that the actor died a week after Betsy’s demise.
Test results indicated that Betsy Arakawa might have contracted the fatal Hantavirus, which is transmitted from animals to humans. Meanwhile, New Mexico’s chief medical examiner, Dr. Heather Jarrell, while addressing a press conference, said Gene Hackman had Alzheimer’s. She said:
“The question was was he aware that Miss Hackman had died and I think that question is difficult to answer but I can tell you that he was in an advanced state of Alzheimer’s and it’s quite possible that he was not aware that she was deceased.”
She continued:
“Examination of the brain showed advanced Alzheimer’s disease as well as blood vessel changes in the brain, secondary to chronic high blood pressure.”
Dr. Heather Jarrell confirmed that Gene Hackman died at 95 due to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease playing a significant role.
The autopsy and full-body CT scan found no signs of recent internal or external trauma but revealed advanced heart disease, previous heart surgeries, past heart attacks, and severe kidney damage linked to long-term high blood pressure.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's bodies were discovered in different rooms by a caretaker. An investigation by a Gas Company found a leak on one of the stove burners but that was non-lethal.
Zinna, their deceased dog, was taken for necropsy at the veterinary diagnostic services, according to Sheriff, Adan Mendoza.
Dr. Heather Jarrell updated on the pacemaker used by Gene Hackman and said Betsy Arakawa had a natural cause of death
Dr. Heather Jarrell clarified that it was difficult to pinpoint the exact date and time of death. However, she noted that data from Gene Hackman’s pacemaker showed his heart was active on February 17, but by February 18, it recorded an irregular heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation.
Since no further heart activity was detected after that, he likely passed away around February 18. Jarrell added:
“It’s not uncommon to find someone down on the floor as part of a terminal collapse so to speak and that may very well have been what happened to Miss Hackman.”
Dr. Heather Jarrell confirmed that Betsy Arakawa passed away naturally. Moreover, no signs of internal or external trauma were found during the autopsy and postmortem CT scan. The thyroid medication found at the house was medically prescribed.
Regarding hantavirus, she explained that the infection typically begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, cough, and sometimes nausea or diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to breathing difficulties and heart or lung failure.
In an interview with Today on February 28, 2025, Mendoza shared details about the house's front door. According to investigators, several doors in the home were left unlocked. While the front door was closed, it was not secured. One door at the back of the house was open, allowing two surviving dogs to move in and out freely.
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