A press conference was held on Friday in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the cause of deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were confirmed and there was an update on their deceased dog

There was a major update into the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa.

The duo were found dead on February 26 at home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. One of their three dogs was also found deceased. Now, as experts updated the public on their findings, the canine’s cause of death is not yet known.

The cause of death for their dog Zinna is yet to be confirmed with autopsy results still pending. However, Dr Erin Phipps from New Mexico Department of Health noted that canines do not get ill from hantavirus – a rare disease that is said to have been the cause of Betsy’s death.

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.

Just two days before Betsy’s thought to have passed, she had collected Zinna from the vets after a medical procedure had been carried out. She later emailed her massage therapist before heading out to go shopping around midday. Dr Heather Jarrell, New Mexico’s chief medical examiner, went on to tell reporters that she believed Betsy had died from the rare flu-like illness on February 11.

Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy were found dead ( 
Image:
AP)
Dr Jarrell also explained that no trace of COVID 19 or influenza was found within Betsy, saying: “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.”

Speaking regarding Gene’s death, she continued: “The cause of death for Mr. Gene Hackman, aged 95 years, is hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor.” When she explained the timing surrounding the pair’s death, she said: “Mr. Hackman’s initial pacemaker data revealed cardiac activity on February 17, 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 February, 11, being the last time that she was not to be alive last week.” However, she did state: “There is no reliable scientific method to accurately determine the exact time or date of death.”