Hollywood star Gene Hackman’s final days have been explained in a detailed press conference which stated it was probable he died days after his wife, Betsy Arakawa

A medical officer has revealed the tragic final scenario that likely played out before Gene Hackman’s death last month.

It has been confirmed the Hollywood icon died aged 95 days after the passing of his wife, Betsy Arakawa. Now, in a heartbreaking press conference, Gene’s final days have been unfolded by experts.

Hollywood legend Gene, 95, and his wife, Betsy were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26. Their dog was also discovered deceased at the scene. Chief medical examiner from New Mexico at the office of the medical investigator, Dr Heather Jarrell, confirmed it’s likely Gene passed away almost a week after his wife.

She stated Gene’s pacemaker recording information on February 17, and stated the last known activities of Betsy were determined to take place on February 11 when she was last seen alive. It was also shared that two-time Oscar winner Gene had been living with Alzheimer’s disease prior to his passing.

Gene died aged 95 ( 
Image:
AP)

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza also explained there was no evidence Gene had eaten in the days before his death. He said: “Hackman was likely home with his deceased wife for one week before he died. There was no food in his stomach, which means he had not eaten recently, but he had also no evidence of dehydration.”

Gene “was in an advanced state of Alzheimer’s, and it’s quite possible that he was not aware that she was deceased,” Jarrell also noted, adding that the “question is difficult to answer.

She explained: “The cause of death for Mr. Gene Hackman 95 years is hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor. Autopsy examination and a full body post mortem CT examination demonstrated no acute findings of internal or external trauma, and showed severe heart disease, including multiple surgical procedures involving the heart, evidence of prior heart attacks and severe changes of the kidneys due to chronic high blood pressure.

“Examination of the brain showed advanced Alzheimer’s disease, as well as blood vessel changes in the brain secondary to chronic high blood pressure. Laboratory testing performed at scientific laboratories division was negative for COVID, 19, influenza and other common respiratory viruses. Testing for Hantavirus was negative. Testing for carbon monoxide was negative. Additionally, there were no autopsy findings concerning for Hantavirus infection.”

A press conference took place on Friday
Tests on Hackman’s pacemaker previously showed that he was alive on February 17 when a “last event” was recorded, nine days before his body and his wife’s were discovered. Dr Jarrell told the press conference: “Mr Hackman’s initial pacemaker data revealed cardiac activity on February 17, with subsequent pacemaker interrogation demonstrating an abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation on February 18, which was the last record of heart activity.

“Based on this information, it is reasonable to conclude that Mr Hackman probably died around February 18. Based on the circumstances, it is reasonable to conclude that Ms Hackman passed away first with February 11 being the last time that she was known to be alive.”

Betsy was confirmed to have died from hantavirus, pulmonary syndrome. Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that are carried by rodents and can cause serious illness and death in humans, according to US Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Hantaviruses are transmitted to humans through the infected urine, droppings or saliva of certain species of mice and rats. The mortality of the hantavirus strain in the south west of the United States is about 38% to 50%, and is not transmissible from person to person, Dr Jarrell added.

Dr Jarrell explained that no trace of COVID 19 or influenza was found within Betsy. She added: “Testing for carbon monoxide was negative. There were no other significant natural disease findings. Pills present on scene, or thyroid medication, which were being taken as prescribed and is not currently a concern for a contributory cause of death.”