Gene Hackman may not have been aware of his wife Betsy Arakawa Hackman’s passing during his final weeks due to his advanced Alzheimer’s, as indicated by forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden. The iconic actor passed away from hypertensive atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease playing a significant role, according to New Mexico officials. Hackman likely survived alone in his home for about a week before passing away around Feb. 18, as noted by the last activity recorded on his pacemaker.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa had been married since 1991. Dr. Baden suggested that Hackman may not have realized his wife’s death and thus did not call for help. It appears he managed to sustain himself by drinking water from the kitchen sink and eating basic foods like bread from the refrigerator.
Betsy Arakawa died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, transmitted from animals to humans, and commonly found in rodents. Her death was determined to be natural. Hackman and Arakawa were both discovered deceased in their Santa Fe home on Feb. 26.
Leading up to their deaths, it seems that Betsy was the main caretaker for Hackman. Dr. Baden observed that she appeared to be looking after him diligently. The autopsy on Hackman revealed severe heart disease, prior heart attacks, and advanced Alzheimer’s. It is believed that Betsy passed away before Hackman, with her death likely occurring on Feb. 11.
Medical experts noted that due to Hackman’s severe Alzheimer’s condition, he likely did not comprehend his wife’s passing. Dr. Marc Siegel highlighted that if his Alzheimer’s was advanced, he may have been unable to seek help for his wife or understand the situation.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.
“Dr. Siegel stated that Mr. Hackman was either incapacitated or his Alzheimer’s was so severe that he was unable to notice what was happening,” Dr. Jarrell added that the Oscar-winning actor was in a very poor state of health and had significant heart disease.
Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa Hackman, were found deceased at their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Feb. 26. Dr. Jarrell mentioned that Mr. Hackman had advanced Alzheimer’s disease and poor health. The authorities initiated a criminal investigation as their deaths were deemed suspicious.
No signs of external trauma were found on the couple, and tests for carbon monoxide came back negative. The Santa Fe City Fire Department confirmed there were no leaks in their residence.
