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It’s been over a week since we first learned that legendary actor and two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe, N.M., home. One of their dogs was also found deceased in the home. Immediate speculation centered around the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning, but that was quickly ruled out, and authorities began investigating their deaths as «suspicious.»
Theories quickly spiraled out of control, with actor Randy Quaid alleging — without any evidence — that Hackman and his wife were murdered by a Hollywood cabal. Earlier this week, an out-of-state medical examiner even suggested that Hackman and Arakawa may have died from a “companion suicide.” That didn’t add up either.
On Friday, authorities disclosed the cause of death for both Hackman and his wife. Hackman passed away from heart disease, showing severe signs of Alzheimer’s, just one week after his wife tragically died from hantavirus in their home. Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell said it may have been that because of his Alzheimer’s disease, Hackman was not aware his wife was dead in their home.
“Mr. Hackman showed evidence of advanced Alzheimer’s disease,” Jarrell explained. “He was in a very poor state of health. He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately that’s what resulted in his death.
