# Gene Hackman death: Alzheimer's impact on actor in days after wife's death

Hackman died due to hypertensive atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease as a significant contributing factor.



Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa married in 1991. (Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

"**Gene Hackman** may not have realized his wife, Betsy Arakawa Hackman, was dead during his final weeks due to his advanced Alzheimer’s, according to forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden.

The legendary actor died due to hypertensive atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease as a significant contributing factor, New Mexico officials confirmed Friday.

Hackman likely survived alone in the home for about a week, until he died around Feb. 18, which was the last time activity was recorded on his pacemaker.





Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were both found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Feb. 26. (Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

Leading up to their mysterious deaths, the actor’s wife appeared to be the primary caretaker of Hackman, according to Dr. Baden.

"It looks like she was really taking good care of him," he noted. "She goes first and then … pointing to the evidence that was presented for about six, seven days – 11th to the 17th -- when they  that something  happened to him."





Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa Hackman, were discovered dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Feb. 26. (urschke/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

"Mr. Hackman showed evidence of advanced Alzheimer's disease," Jarrell said. "I'm not aware of what his normal daily functioning capability was. He was in a very poor state of health, and he had significant heart disease. And I think ultimately that is what resulted in his death."

Detectives initially described the  as "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation," according to a search warrant affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital.

Officials confirmed that no external trauma was seen on either Hackman or Arakawa, and New Mexico authorities promptly launched a criminal investigation into their deaths.

Hackman and Arakawa previously tested negative for carbon monoxide, Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed last week. Their residence was tested for the colorless, odorless gas and was cleared by the Santa Fe City Fire Department after authorities were unable to find evidence of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning.



Fox News Digital's Tracy Wright and Ashley Papa contributed to this report.
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