Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy Arakawa‘s final autopsy revealed tragic new details of her shocking death.
The report, which the Associated Press obtained Tuesday, confirmed Arakawa died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in mid-February at age 65.
However, it noted that her lungs were heavy and congested at the time of her death, suggesting that the rodent-borne disease was quite advanced.
The report indicated that the classical pianist had fluid accumulation in her chest and mild hardening of the vessels that supplied blood to her heart and body.
Arakawa tested negative for COVID-19, the flu, alcohol and intoxicating drugs, and her body showed no signs of trauma, the report said, adding that her carbon monoxide levels were within normal range.
HPS is a rare but potentially life-threatening viral illness transmitted to humans from the infected urine, droppings or saliva of certain species of rats and mice.
It can also spread through a bite or scratch by these rodents.
Symptoms of the virus include chills, fever, headache, muscle aches, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, which can progress to coughing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest due to fluid filling the lungs.
COVID-19, which is caused by the coronavirus, carries similar symptoms.
In fact, Arakawa looked up COVID-19 symptoms and ordered oxygen canisters just before her death, which officials believe was on Feb. 12.
Her and Hackman’s partially mummified bodies — as well as that of one of their dogs — were discovered in their severely cluttered New Mexico home on Feb. 26.
During the investigation, the New Mexico Department of Health found live rodent traps on the reclusive couple’s property.
Though “the main dwelling was found to be clean, with no evidence of rodent activity,” rodent feces was discovered “in all three garages as well as in both casitas.”
Additionally, “three sheds on the property were noted to be accessible to rodents.”
Surprisingly, Hackman, who likely died on Feb. 17 at age 95, tested negative for hantavirus.
The legendary actor’s cause of death was hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease being a significant contributory factor.
His final autopsy also showed that he had not eaten for an extended period of time before his death.
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