Latest news with #OfficeoftheMedicalInvestigator
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Body found in Santa Fe National Forest identified as 1950s grappler
Human remains discovered more than two decades ago in the Santa Fe National Forest have been identified as Keeble Wofford Sr., known in the 1950s as actor and wrestler Kimo Mahi, who had been missing since 1992. The case is the fourth in New Mexico in which state officials have been able to positively identify someone using the DNA testing technology of forensic genealogy company Othram, the firm claims. Wofford's bones were found by hikers in the forest in Sandoval County in 2001 and reported to the Sandoval County Sheriff's Office, Othram said in a news release. Deputies entered the case into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System as Sandoval County John Doe, whose identity remained a mystery. Kimo Kimo Mahi In 2021, the sheriff's office and the state Office of the Medical Investigator sent the remains to the lab of Texas-based Othram, which used a process it calls "forensic-grade genome sequencing" to build a DNA profile from the remains, the news release states. Othram compared a DNA sample from Wofford's daughter to the unidentified remains and was able to positively identify them, the company said. A death certificate was then drafted for Wofford, and his cremated remains were returned to his daughter. Investigators believe Wofford had been traveling from Pueblo, Colo., to Albuquerque in September 1992 for a business meeting and "was never heard from again," the news release says. Wofford competed as wrestler Kimo Mahi in the 1950s and '60s. He was described in an El Paso Herald-Post column as a "plucky Hawaiian grappler." He also appeared in at least one film — Twilight for the Gods, starring Rock Hudson and Cyd Charisse — and several television shows, according to IMDb, including the series Hawaiian Eye and Sea Hunt. Othram's technology has been used in the past to identify the remains of two women found in and near Albuquerque as well as a suspect in a 1987 rape and murder case in Carlsbad, according to the company. "People should know that it doesn't matter how old a case is, or whether it was hopeless in the past, there is technology here today that is able to bring answers to families like in this case," Kristen Mittelman, the company's chief development officer, said in a statement. "This was a well-known man who just disappeared more than 20 years ago and now he has his name again."
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NEWS OF THE WEEK: Gene Hackman final autopsy released
The document detailed the Oscar-winning actor's extensive medical history, two months after he and his wife were found dead inside their home. Hackman, who was 95, had a "history of congestive heart failure" and "severe chronic hypertensive changes, kidneys," according to the Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico, Fox News reported. He had had a bi-ventricular pacemaker since April 2019 and neurodegenerative features consistent with Alzheimer's Disease, according to the autopsy. Hackman also had trace amounts of acetone in his system at the time of his death, which could be a product of "diabetic- and fasting-induced ketoacidosis".
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Autopsy of Gene Hackman's wife Betsy Arakawa confirms she was killed by rat-borne virus
Harrowing new details have emerged from Gene Hackman 's wife's autopsy two months after she died from a rat-borne virus. Legendary actor Hackman, 95, and classical pianist wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead and partially mummified in their Santa Fe mansion on February 26, 2025. After much speculation, it was revealed Arakawa had died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in their bathroom days before Hackman passed. Arakawa also had fluid accumulation in her chest and mild hardening of the vessels that supplied blood to the heart and body at the time of her death, according to the autopsy report obtained by The Associated Press. Arakawa tested negative for covid and the flu and showed no signs of trauma. She tested positive for caffeine and negative for alcohol and intoxicating drugs, and her carbon monoxide levels were within a normal range. The final autopsy results for Hackman detailed the beloved Oscar winning actor's extensive medical history two months after he and his wife were found dead inside their home. Hackman had 'a 'history of congestive heart failure' and 'severe chronic hypertensive changes, kidneys,' Fox reported, citing the Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico. He had a 'bi-ventricular pacemaker' since April 2019 and 'neurodegenerative features consistent with Alzheimer's,' according to the autopsy. '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 documents stated. 'Remote myocardial infarctions 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.' Hackman tested negative for hantavirus. Police have since determined that Arakawa died first around February 12 as a result of respiratory symptoms caused by the rare but deadly virus, which is passed on through rodent urine, saliva and feces. She was 65. A report obtained by indicated that Arakawa had bookmarks on her computer suggesting that she had been researching medical conditions with symptoms similar to covid and flu prior to her death. 'Testing for carbon monoxide was less than 5 per cent saturation, in keeping with a normal range,' the medical examiner noted. Hackman also had trace amounts of acetone in his system at the time of his death, which could be a product of 'diabetic- and fasting-induced ketoacidosis.' Hackman, who was suffering from advanced Alzheimer's at the time, is believed to have wandered around the couple's home alone after his wife's death. Due to the advanced condition, he may not have ever realized his wife had died. The actor died nearly a week later around February 18, from severe heart disease, while Alzheimer's and kidney disease were contributing factors. A week after the bodies were discovered, the New Mexico Department of Public Health conducted a health assessment on the property. The department concluded that dead rodents and their nests were found in 'eight detached outbuildings' on the Hackman property, making it a 'breeding ground' for the hantavirus. The deadly hantavirus typically spreads through rodent urine and droppings that one may come into contact with when cleaning a basement or an attic. There were droppings found in three garages, two casitas, and three sheds on the property. Additionally, there was a live rodent, a dead rodent and a rodent nest found in three more garages on the property, according to the inspectors. There were also two vehicles seen on the estate that had evidence of rodents, and they even found traps in the buildings as well, suggesting this had been an ongoing issue for the Hackmans. The health assessment was conducted to assess whether first responders or others who were on the property were safe from the virus. Cops who combed their home following the gruesome discovery shared bodycam footage which captured how the couple's other heartbroken dog watched over Betsy's lifeless body as it lay surrounded by clutter. A series of heartbreaking notes were also found dotted around the house, each exchanged between the couple and showing their affection for one another until the end. Photos of their adored German Shepherds also adorned tables and sideboards, with smiling pictures of the couple with their old pets dating back years.
Metro
30-04-2025
- Health
- Metro
Chilling new details in Gene Hackman's wife Betsy Arakawa's autopsy revealed
New details surrounding Betsy Arakawa's death have been revealed by her final autopsy results. The 95-year-old French Connection actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, at the end of February. The usual way they were discovered sparked a police investigation into their deaths. It was later revealed that Hackman, 95, died of heart disease with advanced Alzheimer's disease listed as a significant contributory factor', while the classical pianist, 65, battled hantavirus – a rare, infectious condition – before her death. It has now emerged that Arakawa had fluid in her chest, and the vessels supplying blood to her heart and body had mild hardening, as confirmed in an autopsy seen by AP as reported by Fox. She died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which was transmitted by rodents living around their home. It was confirmed that she tested negative for COVID-19 and the flu. She also had normal carbon monoxide levels and tested positive for caffeine but negative for alcohol and intoxicating drugs. This comes just a couple of days after the release of Hackman's final autopsy. Fox reported that the final autopsy from the Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico, has revealed he had further health issues. As well as a 'history of congestive heart failure' and 'severe chronic hypertensive changes, kidneys', the actor also had a 'bi-ventricular pacemaker' fitted in April 2019. The documents noted 'neurodegenerative features consistent with Alzheimer's Disease'. The report read: '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. 'Remote myocardial infarctions 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.' Police say Hackman likely died on February 18, almost a week after his wife Arakawa is thought to have died on February 11. On February 9 Arakawa took the dog, who was found deceased in the crate, to the vets for a procedure. On February 11 Arakawa sent her last email, to her massage therapist at around 11am. In the afternoon, she took a trip to a farmer's market, CVS pharmacy and a pet food shop. Her car was used to access the gated community after 5pm. She did not have any ongoing communication or activity in the local area after February 11. On February 12, Arakawa made multiple calls to a health clinic for medical treatment, which she was not able to receive. She also googled health care providers – having previously searched for causes of symptoms she was experiencing. Gene Hackman's pacemaker detected cardiac activity on February 17, and an abnormal rhythm on February 18, when activity stopped. Their bodies were discovered on February 26, 15 days after Arakawa was thought to have died, and eight days after Hackman's pacemaker recorded its last heartbeat. Two weeks ago, the couple was laid to rest in a private funeral with friends and family invited to the event. More Trending Hackman's three children, Christopher, 65, Elizabeth, 62, and Leslie, 58, from his first marriage to Faye Maltese were all in attendance. In March, TMZ obtained a copy of Hackman's will, which appeared to show that he left his entire fortune to his partner, and made her the sole beneficiary in 1995. Although his children were not included, TMZ reported that Hackman's children will 'presumably get his share' as they are his direct living heirs. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Carrie and Dallas actress Priscilla Pointer dies aged 100 MORE: Christie Brinkley recalls public moment she discovered husband's affair with 'teenager' MORE: Donald Trump's hatred-fuelled 'obsession' with Taylor Swift intensifies with fresh dig
Daily Mirror
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Chilling new detail in Gene Hackman wife's autopsy after she was killed by rat-borne virus
Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead and partially mummified in their mansion in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 26 and it emerged the pianist had Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) Harrowing new details have emerged following Gene Hackman's wife's autopsy two months after she died from a rat-borne virus. The autopsy has found the concert pianist had fluid accumulation in her chest, and her lungs were heavy and congested. The 65-year-old musician's vessels, which supplied blood to the heart and body, had become hardened, the report released on Tuesday showed. She and her 95-year-old husband were discovered dead and partially mummified in their mansion in Santa Fe, New Mexico in February. It has since emerged Ms Hackman had died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) - an unpleasant rat-borne virus - in their bathroom days before her husband had passed. Now the new detail about the woman's lungs and vessels has been disclosed by authorities following analysis of the autopsy. The pianist, who was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, was exposed to rat droppings in the couple's garage and outhouses, it is understood. Hantavirus is a rare but potentially fatal disease spread by infected rodent faeces. READ MORE: Gene Hackman and wife Betsy's haunting final days in squalor from love notes to dog's brave act Ms Hackman tested negative for COVID-19 and flu, and showed no signs of trauma, the autopsy report said. Her carbon monoxide levels were within normal range, and she tested positive for caffeine and negative for alcohol and intoxicating drugs. Her carbon monoxide levels were within a normal range. Her husband, the legendary actor, had "a history of congestive heart failure" and "severe chronic hypertensive changes, kidneys," Fox reported, citing the Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico. He had a "bi-ventricular pacemaker" since April 2019 and "neurodegenerative features consistent with Alzheimer's Disease," according to the autopsy. "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 recent documents stated. "Remote myocardial infarctions 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." But Mr Hackman, who won three Golden Globe Awards including 1993's Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture for his role in Unforgiven, tested negative for Hantavirus. It cannot be spread between people. His wife died first around February 12 as a result of respiratory symptoms caused by Hantavirus, police in New Mexico said. However, Mr Hackman may not have ever realised his partner had died, due to the advanced nature of his Alzheimer's disease. The tragic couple tied the knot in December 1991, seven years after the first started dating. Mr Hackman, who played Lex Luthor in three Superman films, was married to Faye Maltese until their divorce in the late 1980s.
