Shocking New Details Emerge In Investigation Into Gene Hackman’s Death

New Mexico’s chief medical examiner, Dr. Heather Jarrell, said that actor Gene Hackman died of natural causes one week after his wife Betsy Arakawa passed away.

The legendary actor’s cause of death was listed as hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease listed as a contributing factor, according to Jarrell. The doctor said Arakawa died after contracting a rare but serious respiratory illness caused by exposure to infected rodents, called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Her death was listed as natural.

Gene Hackman & wife Betsy Arakawa during The 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards – Arrivals at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, United States. (Photo by Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage) Getty Images

Local authorities believe Arakawa died seven days before Hackman.

Jarrell said it was possible that Hackman was “not aware” that his wife had passed away several days earlier due to Alzheimer’s disease. Officials reported the deceased dog that was located in their home was found in a crate, and may have died of starvation.

LOS ANGELES – 1986: Actor Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa pose for a portrait in 1986 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

The 95-year-old Oscar-winning actor and his 65-year-old wife were found deceased Feb. 26.

A Santa Fe detective previously stated in an affidavit that Hackman and his wife were discovered in different areas of their home, according to TMZ.

Arakawa’s body was found in the bathroom, the deputy said. The affidavit noted that an open, orange prescription bottle and pills were located on the bathroom counter.

Police found Hackman in another room near the kitchen, according to the affidavit. He was still dressed and they suspected he could have abruptly fallen due to his sunglasses being beside his corpse, according to TMZ.

Hackman stepped away from Hollywood in 2004 after starring in “Welcome to Mooseport,” alongside Ray Romano, and by all accounts lived a quiet life in Santa Fe. (RELATED: Legendary Actor Gene Hackman And His Wife Found Dead)

No additional details have been released regarding the circumstances leading up to their deaths.