By Ellite Times Team 
The Posthumous Examination of a Famed Actor
After dying from cardiovascular disease at the age of 95, two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman also suffered from Alzheimer’s. Hackman’s last years were filled with pain and solitude. New Mexico Chief Medical Examiner’s autopsy report Heather Jarrell discussed these findings and pointed out the sad events which led to his eventual death.
The Advanced Alzheimer’s Hackman Suffered Highly Demaged His Brain Rendering Vision Almost Impossible May Have Contributed Significantly To His Death
It is very likely that Hackman had Alzheimer’s disease for a long time and his last moments were spent in a complete void. Authorities claim that his mental state would have prevented him from realizing the presence of his spouse Betsy Arakawa, who, unfortunately, was in a different room of the house in which they lived together.
The New Mexico Incident of the Couple
Authorities found the bodies of Hackman, his wife, and their pet dog on February 26 at their house in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Arakawa is believed to have died the earliest on or around February 11 from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, which is a rare and lethal syndrome resulting from exposure to rodent droppings. It appears that Hackman died a week later on February 18, given that his pacemaker had recorded some cardiac output till that date.
A Tough Week of Isolation
Investigators theorize that Hackman was left alone for an indeterminate number of days after his wife’s notable death. His emaciated body suggested a lack of sustenance, but the absence of any dehydration indicated he was able to procure some water. His cane and sunglasses found nearby raised the possibility that he had tried to step out of the house to find some assistance, only to collapse before reaching the door.
A Life of Love and Responsibility
Hackman and Arakawa celebrated their marriage for over 3 decades after tying the knot in 1991. She took care of him in more ways than one, and friends say that their relationship was quite healthy as Arakawa managed everything from his diet to social interactions in addition to his writing.
A Last Misdiagnosis
At first, family members thought it could be carbon monoxide poisoning, but the autopsy ruled out that possibility. Additionally, there is surveillance footage of Arakawa running her daily errands on feb 11. She did not pick up dog medication, which drew concern due to her apparent lack of health.
The Life of Hackman Post Arakawa
Post their house arrest due to COVID, he was quite a public figure with frequenting to Santa Fe. He spent his days writing novels and playing golf which Arakawa added social interaction to his schedule. Post the isolation, which may have contributed to the tragic end, he became more of a recluse.
Remembering a Hollywood Legend
The veteran popular actor Gene Hackman film starred him in major Blockbuster movies such as
The French Connection and Unforgiven, but not movies alone put him on top and it’s undoubted that he had unparalleled versatility along with the depth to play any character given to him. After achieving everything Hollywood had to offer, he lived a peaceful life in Santa Fe, away from the majeors of the fame and died there.
A Lesson in Aging and Care
The mournful reality around the death of Hackman serves as an eye opener to what life’s if there’s such thing as a final stage in life. The harder by Alzheimer’s takes a mental and physical deterioration, it’s sad to see how loneliness devoids a person of life as the case is to people struggling and surrounded by people who just don’t care.
To The Rest of Us
His legacy shall remain to inspire generations to come with not just the works of art he left behind but the gracious mark in the world of cinema. Although his life has its twists of grief it will always encourage us mindfully through the children who have ‘hackman’ to me unanimously, think about love and consider the feeling that surrounds time, over the traditional ale.