Gene Hackman's final autopsy reveals official cause of death
Gene Hackman's official cause of death has been revealed.
The legendary Hollywood actor was found dead at the age of 95 in his Santa Fe home alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, on February 26, and an autopsy has noted several contributory health factors involved in his passing.
Official documents say: 'Autopsy showed severe atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with placement of coronary artery stents and a bypass graft, as well as a previous aortic valve replacement.'
The statement added: 'Remote myocardial infections were present involving the left ventricular free wall and the septum, which were significantly large. Examination of the brain showed microscopic findings of advanced-stage Alzheimer's disease.'
The autopsy also indicated that Hackman had not eaten for a considerable time before his passing, as the official report from New Mexico officials found that 'The French Connection' actor had trace amounts of acetone in his system.
The star's toxicology tests showed that acetone levels in his body were at 5.3 mg/dl, consistent with prolonged fasting.
The report stated that acetone can be a 'product of diabetic and fasting-induced ketoacidosis as well as a metabolite following isopropanol ingestion'.
The medical examiner noted that Hackman had a 'history of congestive heart failure' and had had a 'bi-ventricular pacemaker' fitted in 2019.
It was previously concluded that Betsy had died some time before her husband from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare illness that is spread through rodent droppings and urine.
It is thought that the condition of the pair's New Mexico house could have caused Betsy's death, as the New Mexico Department of Public Health found it in a shocking state, full of rodents and mess when inspecting the mansion.
It emerged recently that Gene's affection for Betsy was shown in a series of handwritten love notes that were discovered in the couple's home.
One read: 'Morning lovely girl, thinking of you and the other little guys. Love G.'
The notes gave an insight into the private life the pair shared in the house.
Another playful note from Gene said: 'Ho, Ho, I am off to see the Wizard, the Wizz of Achie, Pokie. She stabs me here and stabs me there, she stabs me almost everywhere (almost). But I'll survive because after I am still alive. (But some times just barely). Love G.'
A third message read: 'I'm going down to that building out past the hot water place where you sit, and do whatever it is that people are supposed to do in such a building – maybe I'll remember once I get down there.'
He signed it: 'Love what's his name.'
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