The bodies of the 95-year-old Academy Award-winning actor and his 65-year-old classical pianist wife were discovered at their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Wednesday, February 26.
During a press conference on March 7, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell detailed their causes of death. “The cause of death for Mr. Gene Hackman, aged 95, is hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor.”
Dr. Jarrell further confirmed that Arakawa died of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, stating, “The manner of death is natural.”
Hantavirus is a rare and serious infectious disease that begins with flu-like symptoms and can rapidly progress to severe respiratory and cardiovascular complications.
Regarding Arakawa’s passing, Dr. Jarrell explained: “Autopsy examination and full-body postmortem CT showed no signs of trauma, internally or externally, with microscopic findings consistent with Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Laboratory tests confirmed Hantavirus infection, while testing for Covid-19, influenza, and other common respiratory viruses returned negative results. Carbon monoxide poisoning was also ruled out.”
Officials estimate that Arakawa passed away on February 11, with Hackman following approximately a week later.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that the case remains an “open investigation” until authorities address all outstanding details.
A previously issued search warrant indicated that the couple had been deceased for some time before their discovery and were found in separate rooms. Authorities also noted that one of their dogs had died under similar circumstances, while two others were found alive.
Data from Hackman’s pacemaker suggested he was still alive as of February 17, marking the last recorded event from the device—nine days before the couple’s bodies were found.
Hackman was discovered in a mudroom, a space typically used for storing outdoor gear, while Arakawa was found in a bathroom with an open prescription bottle and scattered pills on the countertop.
Among the unusual circumstances at their $3.8 million estate, authorities noted that the front door was unlocked when discovered by two maintenance workers. Additionally, two of the three dogs on the premises were in good health.
Investigators found an opened bottle of prescription medication near Arakawa’s body, while Hackman was located near a walking stick and sunglasses.
Authorities continue to investigate the details surrounding their deaths to close the case fully.
