Sheriff reveals reason Gene Hackman investigation is still ongoing despite cause of death being confirmed as cardiovascular disease

The sheriff investigating the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife and dog has explained the reason why the case remains ongoing, despite a cause of death being confirmed as cardiovascular disease on Friday (March 7).

Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their New Mexico home on February 26. One of their three dogs was also deceased.

It was a concerned neighbor who called police and suggested a welfare check on the celebrity pair that lead to them being discovered.

There was much speculation about how Hackman and Arakawa died, with the actor's daughter suggesting that it was as a result of a carbon monoxide leak in their home.

Gene Hackman and his wife were found dead in their home last month (Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage)

That speculation was cleared up on Friday after police confirmed that the couple died from different causes at different times.

It was chief medical examiner Dr Heather Jarrell who confirmed the married couple's cause of death.

She said: "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."

Dr Jarrell also confirmed Arakawa died of 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," Dr Jarrell went on to say.

While the cause of death may now have been revealed, Sheriff Adan Mendoza has confirmed an investigation into the case is still ongoing.

Mendoza said that while 'a lot of the questions have been answered' with the investigation, authorities are waiting for the Hackmans' cell phone records.

"We consider this an open investigation until we close the loopholes of the cell phones, until we finish out the necropsy results of the canine and the other loose ends that we need to tie up," the sheriff said during a press conference.

An investigation into their deaths remains ongoing (Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

"But, you know, I think we're pretty close to the timeline and with the information that Dr. Jarrell provided."

Dr Jarrell added in a press conference: "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."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].

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