Officials revealed during a news conference in Santa Fe that Gene Hackman died of cardiovascular illness and that his wife, Betsy Arakawa, died “naturally.”

They verified that Hackman, 95, would most likely have spent a week at home with his 65-year-old wife’s body.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome was verified as the cause of Arakawa’s death.

Arakawa is said to have died on February 11, while Hackman was last seen alive on February 18.

Dr. Heather Jarrell of the New Mexico Medical Investigator’s Office confirmed the causes of death during the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office press conference today (7 March).

The chief medical examiner stated that “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.”

“An autopsy and a full-body postmortem CT scan showed no signs of recent internal or external trauma. However, there were severe heart disease findings, including heart surgery on multiple occasions, signs of previous heart attacks, and severe kidney changes due to long-term high blood pressure.”

“An examination of the brain revealed advanced Alzheimer’s disease as well as blood vessel changes caused by chronic high blood pressure.”

“Laboratory testing at the scientific labs division yielded negative results for Covid-19, influenza, and other common respiratory viruses, as well as Hantavirus. Carbon monoxide testing yielded negative results.

“Additionally, there were no autopsy findings concerning for Hantavirus infection.”

On February 26, investigators found the two bodies in separate rooms. They found Arakawa in their bathroom and Hackman in their “mudroom”.

Dr. Jarrell said, “Based on the circumstances, it is reasonable to conclude that Ms. Arakawa passed away first.”

They discovered this because Arakawa’s footage and communications were last located on February 11.

Hackman’s pacemaker last sent data on February 18.

Hantavirus, which killed Arakawa, is not a disease that spreads from person to person but rather from rodent to human.

While the reasons for the death were not criminal in nature, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that the case will remain open due to unresolved matters.

This includes an examination of the deceased dog’s body.

One of the couple’s three dogs died, while the other two survived.