Gene Hackman ‘may not have realised’ his wife was dead for 6 days as cause of deaths revealed

Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead last week (Picture: AP) Officials have released the cause of death for both Gene Hackman and his late wife, Betsy Arakawa, a week after they were found dead in their home. The bodies of the French Connection actor, 95, and classical pianist, 65, were discovered at their home in Santa Fe last week, along with their dog. Sheriff’s deputies found the star in the kitchen, and his partner in a bathroom with the dog, with scattered pills from an open prescription bottle on the bathroom counter. After they were thought to have been dead ‘for some time’, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into what led to their demise. Speaking in a press conference held earlier today, New Mexico Chief Medical Investigator Dr Heather Jarrell said that Hackman’s cause of death was due to heart disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease ‘as a significant contributory factor’. Medical officials determined the reasons for their deaths (Picture: Getty) Speaking to reporters, she stated that Arakawa died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which likely occurred almost a week before her husband’s death. Discussing the pills found at the scene, she shared that officials retrieved prescription thyroid medication from their home. Jarrell suggested that Hackman died around February 18, with his partner’s last known movements coming almost a week earlier. Arakawa was seen going to a CVS pharmacy and a dog food shop on February 11 and she didn’t have communication with anyone after this, with unopened emails stacking up from this date. What is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome? According to the Mayo Clinic, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a rare infectious disease that begins with flu-like symptoms, and can rapidly progress to a more severe condition – leading to lung and heart problems. It can be carried by different types of rodents – infection is usually caused by inhaling hantaviruses that have become airborne from rodent urine, droppings or saliva. It is not transmitted from person to person. Officials said it was therefore ‘reasonable to conclude’ Arakawa died on February 11. In a heartbreaking update, she explained that it was ‘quite possible’ that Hackman was unaware that Arakawa had died, due to his increased Alzheimer’s condition. Addressing reporters, Jarrell said she saw no evidence that Hackman was dehydrated, but found no food in his stomach during the autopsy, meaning he ‘had not eaten recently’ when he died. Hackman was found deceased next to his walking cane and a pair of sunglasses in a mud room by their kitchen. His body showed evidence of ‘prior heart attacks’, heart surgery, and ‘very poor kidney’ function due to ‘chronic high blood pressure’. The actor’s pacemaker showed its last activity on February 18, over a week before his body was discovered. Hackman was suffering with ‘advanced Alzheimer’s’ when he died (Picture HECTOR MATA/AFP via Getty Images) Officials said Arakawa took the deceased dog to the vets on February 9, which ‘could explain’ why the canine’s body was found locked in a crate. Given the timelines, it is ‘possible’, officialy say, that the dog died of starvation and dehydration. Explaining the rare hantavirus infection, Jarrell explained it shows up as flu-like symptoms, but can progress to ‘shortness of breath, heart failure, and lung failure’. Earlier this week, investigators shared an update following speculation that the couple may have died as a result of gas poisoning. The New Mexico Gas Company later issued a statement, via the Daily Mail, that ‘there were no significant findings’ of gas leaks or carbon monoxide in the home. Got a story? If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.