Gene Hackman's official cause of death confirmed in autopsy documents

North Wales Live

28-04-2025

The official cause of death of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman has been confirmed. The actor was found deceased at the age of 95 in his Santa Fe abode, beside his 65-year-old wife Betsy Arakawa, on February 26. Now, autopsy findings have indicated various health issues that played a role in his death.
Official records detailed: "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."
Further insights revealed: "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."
Moreover, it appears Hackman had not consumed food for an extended duration before he died, based on the official account from authorities in New Mexico, which observed trace acetone levels in his system.
Results from toxicological screening found acetone concentration of 5.3 mg/dl in Hackman's body, an indicator of extended fasting or starvation.
Documentation also mentioned that production of acetone might arise from "product of diabetic and fasting-induced ketoacidosis as well as metabolite following isopropanol ingestion".
A noted point from the medical examiner was that Hackman suffered from a "history of congestive heart failure" and in 2019 had received a "bi-ventricular pacemaker".
It had already been established that Betsy passed away before her husband due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a scarce disease transmitted through rodent droppings and urine. Betsy's demise may have been caused by the dire state of their New Mexico residence, as revealed by a New Mexico Department of Public Health inspection that found their mansion overrun with rodents and cluttered in disarray.
Gene's affections for Betsy came to light recently after a collection of handwritten love notes was found in the couple's house. One touching note said: "Morning lovely girl, thinking of you and the other little guys. Love G."
These intimate messages offered a glimpse into the domestic life they shared within those walls.
Another endearing message from Gene playfully stated: "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 affectionate note 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 concluded it with: "Love what's his name."