Gene Hackman's final autopsy released
The final autopsy of Gene Hackman has been released by authorities, revealing more details about his health before he died.
Fox News reported on Sunday, April 27 that it obtained the actor's final autopsy from the Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico, stating that the document showed he had a "history of congestive heart failure" on top of Alzheimer's disease as well as "severe chronic hypertensive changes, kidneys."
"Autopsy showed severe atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease with placement of coronary artery stents and a bypass graft, as well as a previous aortic valve replacement," the official record read. "Remote myocardial infarctions were present involving the left ventricular free wall and the septum, which were significantly large. Examination of the brain showed microscopic findings of advanced stage Alzheimer's disease."
Hackman tested negative for hantavirus, which caused the death of his wife, Betsy Arakawa. Infectious disease specialist Dr. Rontgene Solante told PhilSTAR L!fe that virus transmission occurs when a person breathes in airborne particles—a rodent's urine, droppings, or saliva that have dried out—contaminated with the virus. It can also occur when people clean or disturb areas where rodents have lived, such as sheds, barns, or homes.
Hackman and Arakawa were found dead in their home on Feb. 26.
First responders found the house's door unlocked and open. Pills were scattered next to Arakawa's body, which was in the bathroom.
Hackman's body, fully clothed, was found in another room. A pair of sunglasses was next to his body.
Arakawa is believed to have died on Feb. 11, and Hackman on Feb. 18.
The causes of their deaths were first disclosed on March 8.
