Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa's bodies were found in their Santa Fe home last week (26 February).
Their deaths were previously deemed 'suspicious enough' for investigation, with a search warrant from local police revealing that the couple, who wed back in 1991, had been dead for 'some time' and were found in different rooms after maintenance and security workers showed up at the residence and alerted authorities.
But now, in a new press conference today (7 March), chief medical examiner Dr Heather Jarrell has confirmed the pair's cause of deaths.
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She explained that Arakawa, 65, suffered from Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, adding: "The manner of death is natural.
"Autopsy examination and full body post mortem CT demonstrated no findings of trauma internally or externally with microscopic findings consistent with Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
"Laboratory testing was positive for Hantavirus at a clinical lab with required confirmation testing positive at scientific laboratories division, testing for Covid-19, influenza and other common respiratory viruses was negative testing for carbon monoxide was negative."
She continued: "There were no other significant natural disease findings, pills present on scene, or thyroid medication which were being taken as prescribed and is not currently a concern for a contributory cause of death.
"The cause of death for Mr. Gene Hackman, aged 95 years, is hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease as a significant contributory factor.
"Autopsy examination and a full body post mortem CT examination demonstrated no acute findings of internal or external trauma and showed severe heart disease, including multiple surgical procedures involving the heart evidence of prior heart attacks and severe changes of the kidneys due to chronic high blood pressure.
"Examination of the brain showed advanced Alzheimer's disease as well as blood vessel changes in the brain secondary to chronic high blood pressure.
"Laboratory testing performed at scientific laboratories division was negative for Covid-19, influenza and other common respiratory viruses, testing for Hantavirus was negative. Testing for carbon monoxide was negative.
"Additionally, there were no autopsy findings concerning for Hantavirus infection."
Dr Jarrell continued: "I have been asked when death occurred. For these individuals, there is no reliable scientific method to accurately determine the exact time or date of death.
"Mr. Hackman's initial pacemaker data revealed cardiac activity on February 17, with subsequent pacemaker interrogation demonstrating an abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation on February 18, which was the last record of heart activity. Based on this information, it is reasonable to conclude that Mr. Hackman probably died around February 18.
"Based on the circumstances, it is reasonable to conclude that Ms Hackman passed away, first with February 11 being the last time that she was known to be alive."
According to Dr Jarrell, Hantavirus infection is clinically characterised by flu-like symptoms consisting of fever, muscle aches, cough, sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea that can progress to shortness of breath and cardiac or heart failure and lung failure.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said the case will remain 'open' until they tie up the 'loose ends'.
Topics: US News, Gene Hackman, Celebrity, Health
Rhiannon Ingle