It’s been two months since the two-time Oscar-winning star Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico mansion. By the time they were discovered on February 26, they had each been deceased for quite some time, and their remains were mummified.
Now, the final autopsy results for Hackman have finally been released. Sadly, these results have revealed a heartbreaking detail about the Hollywood legend’s final days.
Hackman’s Final Autopsy Results
The official autopsy report from the Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico, which was obtained by Page Six, has revealed that Hackman hadn’t eaten for an extended period of time before his death. Indeed, he had trace amounts of acetone in his system. Hackman’s toxicology test showed acetone levels at 5.3 mg/dl. This is consistent with prolonged fasting. There was also no food in Hackman’s stomach at the time of his death.
This wasn’t the only revelation that came out in Hackman’s autopsy. The report also revealed that the star had a “history of congestive heart failure” and “severe chronic hypertensive changes, kidneys.”
The autopsy went on to note “neurodegenerative features consistent with Alzheimer’s disease.”
Related: Gene Hackman Death Mystery Escalates As His Family Blocks Autopsy Release – ‘Highly Unusual’
Hackman And Arakawa’s Deaths
Hackman is believed to have been alone in the Santa Fe mansion for several days after Arakawa died. Officials believe that Arakawa passed away sometime on February 12, which is when she made her final phone call. She died from hantavirus, a rare flu-like virus transmitted through rodent droppings. Officials later discovered that Hackman and Arakawa’s mansion was infested with rats, making it a “breeding ground” for hantavirus.
It’s believed that Hackman survived until February 18, which is when his pacemaker last showed signs of activity. Hackman’s official cause of death was heart failure He was also suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s disease, meaning he may not have been aware that his wife had died in their home. Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell confirmed that it was “quite possible” that Hackman didn’t know that Arakawa had died.
Arakawa had been Hackman’s primary caregiver in his final years. The autopsy results indicate that Hackman’s Alzheimer’s may have progressed to the point where he could no longer feed himself without Arakawa’s help.
Related: Gene Hackman, 95, Was ‘Murdered,’ Hollywood Legend Randy Quaid Alleges
Hackman And Arakawa’s History
Hackman and Arakawa had been married since 1991. Though they had no children together, Hackman was the father of three kids from a previous marriage. Hackman left behind an $80 million fortune. His will, which he made in 1995, listed Arakawa as his sole inheritor.
Meanwhile, her will specifically stated that if she and Hackman were to die within 90 days of one another, their $80 million fortune should be donated to charity. It remains to be seen if Hackman’s children will wage a legal battle in the hopes of getting their hands on the money.
Hackman retired from acting in 2004 after the release of Welcome to Mooseport. He spent the last twenty years of his life living in reclusion with Arakawa. The couple was laid to rest together earlier this month in a small, private ceremony that was attended by all three of Hackman’s children.
The results of Hackman’s final autopsy report offers insight into the sad end of a truly incredible life. While it’s heartbreaking to think about what Hackman went through in his final days, we can all find comfort in knowing that he’s in a better place now with his beloved wife.
Rest in peace, Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.
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