A final official autopsy explaining the cause of death of actor Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, after the two were found mysteriously dead in separate rooms of their house
An autopsy has revealed the official cause of death for Gene Hackman, and Betsy Arakawa.
The bodies of the Hollywood couple were found dead in their home on the 26th February, with indications they had been dead for some time.
This evening, Fox News received the official autopsy from the Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico. The report showed that 95-year-old Hackman’s body showed a “history of congestive heart failure” as well as “severe chronic hypertensive changes, kidneys.”
Signs of ‘neurodegenerative features’ consistent with Alzheimer’s disease were also noted. The documents 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.”
Despite wife Betsy’s cause of death named as Hantavirus, Gene tested negative for the rodent-spread disease. The report also found the Superman actor did not have abnormal levels of carbon monoxide – a previous theory for the reticent couple’s death.
Although a toxicology report found high levels of blood acetone level, experts chalk this up to a prolonged state of fasting.
Authorities believe Hackman died on the 18th February, due to this being the last recorded activity found on the star’s pacemaker. The data showed an abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation – a condition that causes an irregular (usually fast) heartbeat.
Chief Medical Investigator Dr Heather Jarrell previously explained that it was likely 65-year-old Betsy passed away first, leaving Hackman unable to care for himself in his vulnerable state.
A search warrant affidavit revealed Arakawa’s body was found decomposed, with bloating on her face and mummification in her hands and feet.
Hackman was found with similar signs of decomposition to his wife.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
