Gene Hackman’s Final Days: Alzheimer’s, Heart Disease, and the Tragic Loss of His Wife

The final weeks of legendary actor Gene Hackman’s life were marked by tragedy and shrouded in the complexities of advanced Alzheimer’s disease. New Mexico officials have confirmed that Hackman passed away due to hypertensive atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease significantly contributing to his death. Adding to the sorrow, his wife, Betsy Arakawa Hackman, had died approximately a week prior from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.

Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden offered a poignant perspective on the circumstances surrounding Hackman’s death. He suggested that due to the severity of his Alzheimer’s, Hackman may not have fully comprehended his wife’s passing or understood the need to seek help.

"I think what [happened] here is he didn’t realize it and… didn’t understand that she was dead," Dr. Baden told Fox News Digital. "He didn’t understand that he needed to call 911." Dr. Baden painted a picture of Hackman possibly wandering around his home, managing to access water and perhaps some food, but unable to fully care for himself.

The investigation into the couple’s deaths has revealed a timeline of events that paints a heartbreaking picture. Authorities believe Arakawa died around February 11th, succumbing to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a rare but serious respiratory illness transmitted to humans from rodents. The New Mexico Department of Health confirmed that her autopsy determined her death as natural.

Hackman’s pacemaker data indicated an abnormal heart rhythm on February 18th, leading investigators to conclude that he likely died on or around that date. Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell, who performed a full autopsy on Hackman, noted severe heart disease, including evidence of prior heart attacks, multiple surgical procedures, and kidney damage due to chronic high blood pressure.

Furthermore, the examination of Hackman’s brain revealed advanced Alzheimer’s disease, alongside blood vessel changes secondary to chronic high blood pressure. The findings underscore the significant role both heart disease and Alzheimer’s played in his death.

Dr. Jarrell stated, "Based on the circumstances, it is reasonable to conclude that [Arakawa] passed away first, with February 11th being the last time that she was known to be alive."

Fox News Digital medical contributor Dr. Marc Siegel echoed Dr. Baden’s sentiments, suggesting that Hackman’s Alzheimer’s may have been so severe that he was unaware of his wife’s death. "If he was incapable of calling 911, and getting her seen, and just sat there for a week, then he either went into a state of great despondency or was somehow incapacitated himself," Dr. Siegel remarked. "Or his Alzheimer’s was so severe that he was incapable of even noticing what was going on."

The investigation also shed light on Arakawa’s role as Hackman’s primary caretaker. Dr. Baden noted that "it looks like she was really taking good care of him." Her passing likely left Hackman vulnerable and without the support he needed.

When asked if Hackman was capable of living alone after his wife’s death, Dr. Jarrell emphasized his poor state of health. "Mr. Hackman showed evidence of advanced Alzheimer’s disease," she said. "I’m not aware of what his normal daily functioning capability was. He was in a very poor state of health, and he had significant heart disease. And I think ultimately that is what resulted in his death."

Initially, detectives described the couple’s deaths as "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation," according to a search warrant affidavit. However, officials confirmed that no external trauma was found on either Hackman or Arakawa, and a criminal investigation was promptly launched.

Authorities also ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as a factor in their deaths. Their residence was tested for the gas by the Santa Fe City Fire Department after authorities were unable to find evidence of a carbon monoxide leak.

The tragic sequence of events highlights the devastating impact of Alzheimer’s disease and the challenges faced by individuals and families dealing with its progression. The loss of a caretaker can be particularly devastating for those with advanced cognitive decline, leaving them vulnerable and unable to care for themselves. The combined impact of Hackman’s Alzheimer’s, his wife’s sudden death, and his pre-existing heart condition ultimately led to his passing, marking a somber end to the life of a celebrated actor.