The True Cause Of Death For Gene Hackman At 95: Unraveling The Final Health Details

The search query "Gene Hackman cause death" has sadly become a reality. After years of living a private life in retirement, the legendary two-time Oscar winner, Gene Hackman, passed away earlier this year. The actor, known for his intense and versatile performances in classics like The French Connection and Unforgiven, was found deceased at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in late February 2025, at the age of 95. The official reports have since provided a clear, but heartbreaking, account of his final days, revealing the specific medical conditions that led to his passing.

The Santa Fe County Medical Examiner's office released the official findings, confirming the cause of death and adding a layer of tragic detail to the situation. The news also shed light on the passing of his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who was found deceased at the same time but whose cause of death was distinctly different. This article delves into the confirmed health details of his final years and the official medical explanation for the death of one of Hollywood’s most revered actors, as confirmed by authorities in 2025.

Gene Hackman: Full Biography and Career Milestones

Eugene Alden "Gene" Hackman was an American actor and novelist whose career spanned nearly five decades, establishing him as one of the most respected and versatile performers in cinema history. His ability to embody both heroic and villainous roles with equal conviction made him a true cinematic powerhouse.

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• Full Name: Eugene Alden Hackman
• Born: January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, U.S.
• Died: Found on February 26, 2025, in Santa Fe, New Mexico (Aged 95)
• Spouses: Faye Maltese (m. 1956; div. 1986); Betsy Arakawa (m. 1991; died 2025)
• Children: Three (from his first marriage)
• Career Span: 1956–2004 (Acting)
• Notable Films: The French Connection (1971), The Poseidon Adventure (1972), The Conversation (1974), Superman (1978), Mississippi Burning (1988), Unforgiven (1992), The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), Runaway Jury (2003).
• Major Awards:
  • Two Academy Awards (Best Actor for The French Connection; Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven)
  • Four Golden Globe Awards
  • Two BAFTA Awards
  • One Silver Bear for Best Actor (Berlin International Film Festival)
• Retirement: Officially retired from acting in 2004 after his final film, Welcome to Mooseport.

The Official Cause of Death: Heart Disease and Alzheimer's

Following the discovery of Gene Hackman's passing in his New Mexico home, the Santa Fe County Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy to determine the official cause of death. The findings confirmed that the actor died of natural causes, specifically a combination of age-related health issues that had plagued him in his later years.

Hypertensive and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

The primary cause of death listed was Hypertensive and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease. This refers to a long-term condition where high blood pressure (hypertension) contributes to the hardening and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis), severely restricting blood flow to the heart.

Reports indicated that Hackman had been fitted with a bi-ventricular pacemaker in 2019, suggesting he had been managing a serious heart condition for years prior to his death. His retirement from Hollywood in 2004 was, in part, attributed to growing health concerns, making his eventual passing from heart-related issues a tragic, yet expected, conclusion to his health struggles.

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Alzheimer's Disease as a Contributing Factor

The autopsy report also listed Alzheimer's Disease as a significant contributing factor to his death. This devastating neurodegenerative condition, which causes memory loss and cognitive decline, further complicated his health and was noted by authorities to be in an "advanced" state. The combination of severe cardiovascular disease and advanced Alzheimer's meant that his body had been under immense strain in his final years.

The Tragic Circumstances Surrounding Betsy Arakawa's Death

The news of Hackman's passing was compounded by the tragic discovery that his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, was also found deceased at their Santa Fe residence. The initial discovery of both individuals led to a complex investigation, but the medical examiner's reports quickly clarified that their deaths were separate and due to entirely different causes.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

Authorities confirmed that Betsy Arakawa, 65, died of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). Hantavirus is a rare but severe respiratory disease transmitted by rodents, typically deer mice, in their urine, droppings, or saliva, which can be inhaled by humans. The medical examiner's report indicated that she had passed away approximately one week before Hackman.

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Hackman himself was tested for the virus, and the results were negative. This confirmed that his death was unrelated to the hantavirus that claimed his wife's life, concluding the official investigation into the dual tragedy.

Hackman's Quiet Retirement and Final Years

Gene Hackman's decision to retire from acting in 2004 was a significant moment in Hollywood, as he was still very much in demand. He confirmed the decision during a 2009 interview, citing health concerns as a primary reason, stating he worried about his wife and family.

A Focus on Novel Writing

Following his departure from the screen, Hackman turned his creative energy toward writing. He co-authored three historical fiction novels with Daniel Lenihan: Wake of the Perdido Star (1999), Justice for None (2004), and Escape from Andersonville (2008).

He later authored two solo novels, Payback at Morning Peak (2011) and Pursuit (2013). This quiet, second career allowed him to maintain a creative output while enjoying a secluded life in Santa Fe, away from the intense scrutiny of the film industry.

Legacy of a Character Actor

Despite his private final years, Hackman's legacy as a brilliant character actor remains indelible. His ability to move seamlessly from the gritty detective "Popeye" Doyle in The French Connection to the ruthless sheriff "Little Bill" Daggett in Unforgiven cemented his status as a master of his craft. His death marks the end of an era for classic Hollywood, but his extensive filmography ensures his powerful performances will continue to be celebrated by film enthusiasts for generations to come.