final Autopsy Reveals Cause of Death for Gene Hackman, wife
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SANTA FE — April 28, 2025 — A final autopsy report has revealed the cause of death for actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy. The couple was discovered at their New Mexico residence on February 27th. The report confirmed Gene Hackman succumbed to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The official findings also highlighted that Alzheimer’s disease was a contributing factor in the death of the beloved actor.The report provides closure to the circumstances surrounding the death of the actor.
Final Autopsy report Reveals cause of death for Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy
The Discovery
The bodies of actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Hackman, 65, were discovered at their New Mexico home Feb. 27. Their deceased dog, Zinna, was also found at the residence. Authorities believe Zinna died of dehydration and starvation.
Official cause of Death
A final autopsy report has shed light on the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Betsy Hackman died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Gene Hackman succumbed to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The report, obtained by PEOPLE
, also indicated that Alzheimer’s disease was a significant contributing factor in Mr. Hackman’s death.
Alzheimer’s Disease and gene Hackman
The medical investigator’s office reported that Mr. Hackman’s brain exhibited microscopic findings of advanced stage Alzheimer’s disease.
According to the medical investigator, Mr. Hackman succumbed to natural disease subsequent to the demise of
Mrs. Hackman.
sequence of Events
Authorities believe that Betsy Hackman died from the flu-like virus approximately a week before Gene Hackman.This left him alone in their Santa Fe home with her body for several days.
Betsy Hackman’s Condition
Betsy Hackman’s autopsy report noted that a swab test was negative for COVID-19 and influenza,
despite her online searches for related symptoms. This highlights the challenges in diagnosing illnesses based solely on online information.
Private Memorial
The couple was laid to rest in a private memorial service attended by Gene Hackman’s three adult children, reports PEOPLE
.
Life After Acting
The couple had maintained a private life as Mr. Hackman retired from acting in 2004. They were last seen together in March 2024 during a lunch outing in Santa Fe.
