Hollywood lost a legend last week with the passing of Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The couple was found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home, along with their dog, sparking immediate speculation about the cause. While initial concerns pointed to carbon monoxide poisoning, authorities have since ruled that out.
Now, investigators have identified three possible causes of death for the Oscar-winning actor. Chief Medical Examiner James Gill of Connecticut provided insights into the circumstances, revealing that Hackman’s death may have stemmed from a heart issue, severe stress, or even a broken heart.
Medical Experts Weigh In Gene Hackman’s Death Reasons
Gene Hackman, best known for his roles in Unforgiven and The French Connection, had a known history of heart disease and relied on a pacemaker. According to Gill, it is entirely plausible that Hackman collapsed due to heart failure. “From the initial kind of circumstances, it seems like he may have collapsed,” he told People. “He’s got a history of heart disease. He’s got a pacemaker. So that would not be unusual.”
However, the real mystery is why Arakawa also passed away. Investigators are considering whether the shock of discovering her husband, Gene Hackman, may have triggered a fatal stress response in her. “Then you start wondering about: There is this thing where the stress of seeing someone die could have triggered a natural death in her,” Gill explained.
A third theory suggests a phenomenon known as “broken heart syndrome,” where extreme grief or emotional trauma causes fatal heart complications. “Suddenly finding your loved one dead on the floor can increase your adrenaline, and that stimulates your heart to beat faster, which can put your heart into an irregular rhythm,” Gill added.While speculation continues, toxicology reports are expected to provide a clearer picture of what happened. Investigators are working to rule out any other potential causes, including intoxication or underlying health conditions. Until then, Hollywood and fans mourn the loss of a cinematic great, remembering Gene Hackman for his decades of unforgettable performances.
