Gene Hackman, national treasure and America’s greatest living character actor, died in February 2025 at the age of 95. It is tragic in every sense that the Oscar-winning actor’s life ended as it did, and even more so when reading the shocking details of his autopsy. Hackman’s pacemaker registered the final traces of activity on February 18, and his body wasn’t found until February 25. Betsy Arakawa, his wife, died on February 12. For days, unbeknownst to Hackman, she would dwell in quiet isolation with her corpse.
Hackman’s autopsy was conducted on February 27, discovering numerous acute and chronic health conditions that played a role in his death. Our review showed that Hackman had fasted for a long time prior to his death. When it came time for his autopsy, pathologists were stunned to discover his empty stomach. Toxicology tests revealed acetone levels of 5.3 mg/dl, signifying a state of prolonged fasting. These horrible findings contribute to the very concerning picture of his last days, emphasizing the isolation and neglect he suffered.
Hackman had long had a history of congestive heart failure. His autopsy showed severe chronic hypertensive changes in his kidneys. His cause of death was determined to be hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with his severe Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributing factor. Hackman did suffer outrageous and overwhelming health challenges during his final weeks on the planet. His unfathomable living environment compounded and made everything even harder on him.
As it turned out, Gene Hackman’s home life was anything but pleasant. The home, which included signs of severe overcrowding with extensive clutter, evidenced a heavy rat infestation. Doctors, public health experts, and policy advocates agree that these living conditions likely only added to the overwhelming challenges he faced in keeping himself healthy and alive. Hackman was a beloved actor known for his iconic performances. His life came to a tragic end, a counterpoint to the glitz and glory he had previously experienced.
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