New details have emerged about the health of legendary actor Gene Hackman, following the release of his final autopsy, two months after his passing. The 95-year-old Oscar-winning actor, known for iconic roles in Superman and The French Connection, was found deceased at his Santa Fe home on February 26, 2025, alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who died earlier, on February 11. The cause of death for both individuals was confirmed as natural.

Gene Hackman’s Health Prior to Death

The autopsy, released by the Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico, highlights several critical health conditions that Hackman had been battling before his death. The actor, who had a long history of congestive heart failure, also suffered from severe chronic hypertensive changes and Alzheimer’s disease. Notably, Hackman had undergone previous medical procedures, including the placement of coronary artery stents, a bypass graft, and an aortic valve replacement.

In addition to these conditions, the autopsy indicated atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease as a significant factor in his passing, with Alzheimer’s disease contributing to his deteriorating state. Furthermore, Hackman’s toxicology report revealed trace amounts of acetone in his system, which can result from fasting or diabetic ketoacidosis, suggesting he may have been in a prolonged fasting state prior to his death.

The Tragic Circumstances Surrounding Hackman’s Death

Gene Hackman’s death came just seven days after his wife, Betsy Arakawa. While Arakawa passed from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe respiratory illness transmitted by rodents, Hackman’s death was primarily attributed to heart disease and Alzheimer’s. The autopsy report revealed that Hackman had reached an “advanced state” of Alzheimer’s disease, which might have left him unaware of his wife’s passing.

The discovery of their bodies also raised questions. Maintenance workers found the couple’s bodies after observing them through a window. Hackman’s body showed signs of prolonged death, with decomposition evident, while Arakawa’s body also showed signs of mummification. Both were discovered in a state that indicated they had been dead for some time before being found.

A Private Memorial and Family Reaction

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were laid to rest in a private memorial attended by their children and close family members. Hackman’s children—Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie—expressed their grief, remembering their father as a beloved family man despite his public fame. Hackman’s passing has deeply affected his family, who have described him as a person of “genuine good heart.”

The Final Moments: A Heartbreaking Timeline

Authorities revealed that Hackman’s pacemaker recorded its last activity on February 17, suggesting that his death occurred around this time. However, due to the lengthy time between the couple’s deaths and the discovery of their bodies, many details regarding the final days of their lives remain unclear.

Gene Hackman, who lived in Santa Fe with Arakawa for over three decades, had largely withdrawn from public life in his later years. Friends and family note that Arakawa played a critical role in caring for Hackman, ensuring his well-being and managing his daily activities. She was deeply protective of him, and her passing left Hackman isolated until his own death.

A Final Goodbye to Two Hollywood Icons

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s deaths mark the end of a long, quiet life away from the spotlight in Santa Fe, where Hackman was a well-known figure in the local arts community. Despite his reclusive nature in recent years, Hackman’s contributions to cinema and his personal life have left an indelible mark on those who knew him. His health struggles, especially related to Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease, serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by aging individuals and the importance of family support in later years.

As Hackman and Arakawa’s family waits for the full results of the investigation, they continue to process the loss of their loved ones. While there are many unanswered questions, it is clear that the couple’s love and devotion to one another played a significant role in their final years.