The final autopsy results for Hollywood icon and Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman have been released, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding his death two months ago.
According to findings published by the Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico, Hackman, 95, died from complications related to congestive heart failure and advanced Alzheimer’s disease. The report noted a history of “severe chronic hypertensive changes” in his kidneys and revealed that Hackman had a bi-ventricular pacemaker implanted since April 2019.
Microscopic examination of his brain showed “advanced stage Alzheimer’s disease,” while his heart exhibited signs of “significantly large remote myocardial infarctions involving the left ventricular free wall and the septum.”
Although no foul play was initially suspected when Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their home, authorities deemed the deaths suspicious enough to warrant a full investigation.
Further details from the autopsy confirmed that Hackman tested negative for Hantavirus. However, Betsy Arakawa, 65, was found to have died from the rodent-borne virus, according to the report.
Hackman’s death marks the end of a celebrated career that spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on the film industry with iconic performances in classics such as The French Connection and Unforgiven.
