Police release official cause of death for Gene Hackman as cardiovascular disease while his wife's was 'natural'

Officials have now confirmed how Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa died.

The bodies of the 95-year-old actor and his 65-year-old classical pianist partner were discovered at their home in the Santa Fe, New Mexico, last Wednesday (26 February).

Speaking during a press conference today (March 7), chief medical examiner Dr Heather Jarrell confirmed the pair's cause of deaths.

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'.

Hantavirus is a rare infectious disease that begins with flu-like symptoms and progresses rapidly to a more severe disease. It can lead to life-threatening lung and heart problems.

Actor Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa pose for a portrait in 1986 (Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Speaking about Arakawa's death, the chief medical examiner said: "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.

"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."

Officials believe Arakawa passed away on February 11, while it's thought that Hackman died a week later.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said the case will remain an 'open investigation' until they tie up the 'loose ends'.

Gene grips both of his Oscars alongside Clin Eastwood (Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)

A search warrant from police in Santa Fe previously revealed the pair had been dead for 'some time' and were found in different rooms. The couple's dog was found dead in similar circumstances, police added.

Tests on Hackman's pacemaker showed he was alive as of February 17, when a 'last event' was recorded, reports Daily Mail, which was nine days before their bodies were found.

The 95-year-old was found in a mudroom - a room used for dirty or wet footwear and clothing - while Arakawa was found dead in a bathroom, where there was an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on the countertop.

Among the 'suspicious' circumstances at the scene of their sprawling $3.8 million home were the fact the front door was unlocked, as discovered by two maintenance workers, and two of their three of their dogs on the premises were 'healthy'.

A bottle of opened prescription pills was also found scattered on the countertop of the bathroom near Arakawa's body while Hackman was found lying by a walking stick and sunglasses.