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Apr 28th, 2025, 3:36 PM ET·Health

Autopsy Reports Reveal New Details on Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's Deaths

New autopsy findings indicate Betsy Arakawa died from hantavirus, while Gene Hackman's death was due to heart disease, complicated by Alzheimer's.


Last Update: 3:31 PM ET

Summary

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Gene Hackman, 95, died from heart disease complicated by Alzheimer's. Autopsy showed severe cardiovascular issues. His wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, with fluid buildup in her lungs. Both tested negative for COVID-19 and showed no signs of trauma. Arakawa's autopsy revealed she had researched flu-like symptoms before her death. Investigations included searches at their home and the discovery of Arakawa's health-related internet inquiries. Recent video evidence details the thorough investigation into their deaths, revealing the distressing health conditions both suffered toward the end.

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  • Betsy Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease spread by infected rodent droppings, illustrating the dangers posed by wildlife and environmental health risks.
  • New insights from autopsy reports reveal that both Arakawa and Gene Hackman, her husband, were facing severe health issues before their deaths, raising awareness about the challenges of aging and pre-existing medical conditions.
  • Investigations into the causes of Arakawa and Hackman's deaths highlight the need for thorough public health protocols and better understanding of zoonotic diseases.

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