A shocking discovery was made when legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico residence in February.

According to Fox News, the Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico has released the final autopsy report revealing that Hackman suffered from congestive heart failure and showed signs of advanced Alzheimer's disease, while his wife succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

The 95-year-old Oscar-winning actor's medical history included the placement of a bi-ventricular pacemaker in April 2019, along with severe atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

His autopsy revealed significant cardiac issues, including coronary artery stents, a bypass graft, and a previous aortic valve replacement.

Complex Medical Findings Lead to Definitive Conclusions

Hackman's toxicology report indicated elevated acetone levels at 5.3 mg/dl, substantially higher than the normal endogenous acetone levels of 0.3 mg/dL in blood.

These findings align with prolonged fasting conditions. Medical examiners confirmed that carbon monoxide levels remained within normal ranges, and tests for hantavirus came back negative.

The investigation into the couple's deaths initially raised concerns among authorities, who deemed the circumstances "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation."

This determination came after maintenance workers Jesse Kesler and Roland Lowe Begay discovered the bodies on February 26, prompting a frantic 911 call from Kesler, who had worked as the couple's personal contractor for 16 years.

Both bodies showed similar signs of decomposition, including facial bloating and mummification in the hands and feet, according to the search warrant affidavit obtained by investigators.

Digital Evidence Reveals Final Days

A thorough examination of Arakawa's computer unveiled crucial information about the couple's final days. Multiple searches related to COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms were found on her device between February 8 and 11.

The investigation uncovered an email from Arakawa to her massage therapist dated February 11, where she mentioned:

This data suggests that Betsy was actively researching medical conditions related to COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms in the days leading up to her death. She had also mentioned that Hackman took a covid test after experiencing flu/cold-like symptoms.

Fatal Encounter with Rare Disease

The New Mexico Department of Health confirmed that Arakawa, who was 63 at the time of her death, succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell explained the severity of the condition:

Hantavirus is characterized by flu-like symptoms consisting of fever, muscle aches, cough, sometimes vomiting and diarrhea that can progress to shortness of breath and cardiac or heart failure and lung failure.

The virus, which transfers from animals to humans and is commonly found in rodents, proved fatal for Arakawa despite her seeking medical attention at Cloudberry Health center in Santa Fe.

Final Chapter of Hollywood Legend

The deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa marked the end of a private life they shared in Santa Fe, away from Hollywood's spotlight.

The two-time Academy Award winner, celebrated for his performances in "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven," spent his final years battling various health conditions while maintaining a low profile with his wife.

The investigation into their deaths has now concluded with the release of these comprehensive medical findings.

Gene Hackman's legacy as one of Hollywood's most respected actors remains untarnished, while the tragic circumstances of the couple's passing serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life, even for those who have achieved legendary status in their field.