A new autopsy report is filling in the picture of Gene Hackman's grim last days at his New Mexico home, where he and his wife both died days apart in February.
While his main cause of death was heart failure, the 95-year-old Hackman had not eaten for days before he died, according to the medical examiner. A toxicology analysis found a trace amount of acetone in Hackman's system, indicating a prolonged period of fasting.
The celebrated actor, who had Alzheimer's, likely spent his final days unaware that his 64-year-old wife and caregiver, Betsy Arakawa, was dead.
Hackman tested negative for hantavirus, the rare rat-borne respiratory illness that killed his wife. His carbon monoxide levels were normal.
The report makes note of Hackman's history of heart problems, including congestive heart failure, an aortic valve replacement and an irregular heartbeat.
The autopsy also identified "neurodegenerative features consistent with Alzheimer's Disease" and “severe chronic hypertensive changes” to his kidneys.
"Autopsy showed severe atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with placement of coronary artery stents and a bypass graft, as well as a previous aortic valve replacement," the report states.
“Remote myocardial infarctions were present involving the left ventricular free wall and the septum, which were significantly large," the medical examiner wrote.
Investigators believe Hackman died on February 18, which is the last day cardiac activity was recorded on his pacemaker. His wife died roughly one week before on February 11.
The couple's property was later found to be infested with rats, which likely caused Arakawa to contract hantavirus, a rare but fatal pulmonary disease that spreads through rodent droppings.
Her final phone calls, internet searches and e-mails indicate she was seeking medical care around the time she died. She researched flu-like symptoms online and ordered supplemental oxygen canisters to help with breathing.
An autopsy for Arakawa has not been released yet.
The details from Hackman's autopsy paint a grim picture of his last hours alive. Left without his wife and caregiver, the celebrated actor died hungry and alone.
One of the couple's dogs was also found dead in his cage, likely due to starvation.
Police have shared bodycam video showing how they found the couple's remains, which were partly mummified, inside their squalid home.
In a heartbreaking display of affection, one of their surviving German Shepherds was found standing over Arakawa's body.
