Gene Hackman’s final autopsy indicates he had not eaten for extended period prior to death

New York Post - Apr 28th, 2025

Gene Hackman's final autopsy report revealed that the acclaimed actor had not eaten for an extended period prior to his death in February. The report from New Mexico's Medical Investigator showed trace amounts of acetone in his system, indicative of prolonged fasting. Hackman, known for his iconic roles in films like 'The Royal Tenenbaums,' suffered from conditions such as congestive heart failure and severe chronic hypertensive changes. Additionally, neurodegenerative features consistent with Alzheimer's disease were noted. Hackman's cause of death was hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's as a contributing factor. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare virus transmitted by rodents.

The couple's bodies were discovered in their cluttered home on February 25, with Hackman likely unaware of Arakawa's death due to his mental state. The autopsy confirmed Hackman had not recently eaten, and his pacemaker last showed activity on February 18, suggesting he lived several days after Arakawa's passing. The story highlights the tragic circumstances surrounding the couple's deaths, shedding light on Hackman's health struggles and the couple's isolated living conditions. The findings raise awareness about the potential impacts of neurodegenerative diseases on daily life and the need for increased support for the elderly and those living with Alzheimer's.

New Mexico Alzheimer's Disease Gene Hackman Betsy Arakawa Hantavirus Autopsy Report Congestive Heart Failure

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, focusing on medical findings and the timeline of events. It is largely accurate, with claims supported by authoritative sources, though some details require further verification. The story is timely and engages readers through its focus on a well-known public figure, but it lacks diverse perspectives and broader societal context. While the article is clear and readable, its potential impact is limited to public curiosity rather than driving significant policy or cultural shifts. Overall, the story effectively informs readers about the specific circumstances but could benefit from additional context and verification to enhance its depth and reliability.

Accuracy

The article presents several factual claims that align with verified reports, such as Gene Hackman's acetone levels indicating prolonged fasting and his history of congestive heart failure. These claims are supported by sources like TMZ, which corroborate the findings of prolonged fasting and Hackman's medical conditions. However, specific details, such as the exact acetone levels and the precise timeline of death based on pacemaker data, are not explicitly confirmed in the available sources, indicating areas that require further verification. Additionally, while the article states that Hackman was potentially unaware of his wife's death due to his mental state, this is not directly quoted in the available reports, suggesting a need for caution in interpreting these claims.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the medical and circumstantial details surrounding the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife. While it provides a detailed account of the autopsy findings and the timeline of events, it lacks perspectives from family members, medical experts, or legal authorities that could offer a more comprehensive view. The absence of these voices may lead to an imbalance, as the story relies heavily on the medical investigator's report and lacks a broader context or alternative viewpoints that could enrich the narrative.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and straightforward, with a logical structure that guides the reader through the sequence of events and medical findings. The language is neutral and factual, avoiding sensationalism or overly technical jargon. However, some details, such as the exact timeline of deaths and the implications of Hackman's mental state, could be more explicitly explained to enhance comprehension. Overall, the article maintains a clear tone and structure that aids in reader understanding.

Source quality

The article references the Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico and attributes some information to Fox News, suggesting a reliance on authoritative sources. However, the lack of direct quotes or detailed attribution to specific individuals within these organizations limits the ability to fully assess the credibility and reliability of the claims. The absence of a diverse range of sources, such as interviews with medical professionals or statements from family members, also affects the depth of source quality.

Transparency

The article provides some context regarding the medical findings and the timeline of events, but it lacks transparency in terms of explaining the methodology or the basis for certain claims. For instance, the mention of acetone levels and their implications for prolonged fasting is not accompanied by an explanation of how this information was obtained or verified. Additionally, there is no disclosure of potential conflicts of interest or the limitations of the information presented, which could impact the reader's understanding of the story's impartiality.