New details concerning the cause of death for Betsy Arakawa are emerging two days after Gene Hackman’s final autopsy was released.
The couple were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico on February 26, prompting an outpour of grief. The circumstances of their deaths, though initially baffling, were not deemed suspicious by the authorities, even if it took weeks for them to piece together exactly what had happened.
Tragically, it’s since been confirmed that the pair, married for over 30 years, died on separate days. Arakawa, 65, is believed to have died on February 12 from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome – a rare and dangerous illness spread by rodents.
95-year-old Hackman, meanwhile, likely died about one week later from heart disease, compounded by complications relating to Alzheimer’s.
In documents disclosed earlier this week following an autopsy, Hackman was revealed to have ‘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,” the paperwork added. “Examination of the brain showed microscopic findings of advanced stage Alzheimer’s disease.”
Details of Arakawa’s final autopsy have now also been released, confirming that the classical pianist died from the aforementioned Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. The disease is known to begin by mimicking the flu, causing headaches, fever, and dizziness, but can quickly develop into severe breathing trouble. It’s a condition so rare and easily mistaken for more common viruses, that it often goes undetected until it’s too late.
Arakawa’s autopsy also revealed that her lungs were heavy and congested, with the report detailing that she had fluid accumulation in her chest and mild hardening of the vessels that supplied blood to the heart and body.
The 63-year-old tested negative for Covid-19 and flu and showed no signs of trauma, while her carbon monoxide levels were within normal range. She tested positive for caffeine and negative for alcohol and intoxicating drugs.
Heartbreaking reports had previously detailed how Arakawa made a series of worrying internet searches in her final days. Investigators reported that between February 8 and the morning of February 12, Arakawa was actively researching medical conditions online.
Documents show that on February 10, Arakawa searched online for “can Covid cause dizziness?” and “Flu and nosebleeds.”
On February 11, the pianist emailed her massage therapist to cancel an appointment, saying that Hackman had woken up with “flu/cold-like symptoms.” Though her husband tested negative for Covid, she asked to reschedule her appointment for February 12, “out of an abundance of caution,” AP reports.
That same day she ordered oxygen canisters from Amazon for “respiratory support,” and security footage showed her visiting shops, including a pet food store and a grocery store, while wearing a medical mask.
On the morning of February 12, the day authorities believe she died, Arakawa made a quick call – lasting under two minutes – to schedule an appointment with a concierge medical service, reporting symptoms of “congestion,” according to BBC. But she did not show up for her medical treatment.
Rest in peace, Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.
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