Empire State Review Team 
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s Deaths Investigated: Causes Revealed
Authorities in Santa Fe, New Mexico, have confirmed the causes of death for acclaimed actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa Hackman, who were discovered deceased in their home under mysterious circumstances last month.
Discovery and Investigation
On February 26, local authorities found the couple’s bodies at their residence. Shortly after, body camera footage from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office emerged, shedding light on the investigation into their deaths.
Reports reveal that TMZ obtained two significant videos related to the case. One of the recordings features a deputy conversing with Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth, asking about the remains of a deceased dog present in the home near her mother’s body.
Details from Body Camera Footage
In the footage, Elizabeth instructed the officer to cremate the dog, named Zinna, who was revealed to be their oldest pet at 12 years of age. She also requested that Zinna’s collar be preserved. The emotional conversation highlights the family’s deep connection to their pets during this distressing time.
Another piece of footage captures a groundskeeper visibly affected by the couple’s deaths, expressing regret over their passing. In his emotional response, he remarked, “I get attached to all these people. They treat me really well… She was a sweetheart,” referencing Betsy with fondness.
Medical Findings and Causes of Death
Preliminary findings reveal that Betsy Hackman succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, as confirmed by state officials. Gene Hackman’s death was attributed to hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease cited as a contributing factor. Medical records indicate that Gene had severe heart disease, characterized by multiple previous surgeries and prior heart attacks.
Legal Actions by the Hackman Estate
Following the release of the bodycam footage, a petition was filed on March 11 by the Hackman estate, aiming to prevent further dissemination of any investigation materials, including images and video from the scene. Attorney Kurt Sommer noted the importance of safeguarding the family’s privacy during this difficult time, arguing that their right to privacy outweighs public interest.
Final Moments and Autopsy Insights
The last recorded activity from Gene’s pacemaker occurred on February 18, noting an abnormal rhythm. Moreover, an autopsy revealed “advanced Alzheimer’s disease” alongside significant vascular changes in the brain, likely linked to chronic high blood pressure issues.
Conclusion
The tragic circumstances surrounding the deaths of Gene and Betsy Hackman have raised numerous questions and highlighted the complications of privacy during high-profile investigations. The Hackman family’s representatives continue to seek a balance between public interest and personal privacy in the wake of their loss.
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