The final autopsy reports for Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy, have been revealed, shedding light on the causes of their deaths in late February 2025.
According to the report, on April 27, Betsy, aged 65, passed away from hantavirus, a rare and potentially fatal virus that causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
The report confirmed that she succumbed to the virus days before Gene, who was 95 at the time of his death. Gene’s cause of death was listed as hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, both of which contributed to his passing.
His health had been deteriorating for years, but the recent autopsy confirmed his condition was exacerbated by Alzheimer’s disease, which had also played a significant role in his decline.
Gene Hackman, one of Hollywood’s legendary actors, was found dead alongside Betsy in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26, 2025, after having lived together for more than 30 years.
The couple had long retreated from the public eye after Gene’s retirement from acting, following the release of his final film, Welcome to Mooseport, in 2004. Despite their private lifestyle, their sudden and tragic deaths shocked the world, as many were unaware of the health struggles they had been facing in recent years.
Gene’s autopsy revealed that, in addition to cardiovascular issues, he had also been living with advanced-stage Alzheimer’s disease, which had contributed to his decline in the months leading up to his death.
The medical investigator’s office, which conducted Gene’s autopsy, stated that an examination of Gene’s brain revealed “microscopic findings of advanced stage Alzheimer’s disease.”
The report explained that Gene’s death was primarily caused by natural disease, which was a result of his pre-existing conditions, including cardiovascular disease.
It further noted that Gene passed away shortly after Betsy’s death, suggesting that he had likely succumbed to his illnesses shortly after losing his beloved wife.
This revelation added a tragic layer to the story, as it appeared that Gene may have been left to grapple with his own declining health in isolation, following Betsy’s death.
Betsy’s postmortem examination confirmed that she had died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and potentially deadly virus that is transmitted by rodents.
The virus causes flu-like symptoms, but in severe cases, it can lead to respiratory failure. Authorities had speculated that Betsy had contracted the virus a week before Gene’s death, with her condition deteriorating rapidly.
Her autopsy report further revealed that she had searched online for information regarding her symptoms, suspecting a potential link to COVID-19 or the flu.
However, a swab test conducted during her examination was negative for both COVID-19 and influenza, pointing instead to hantavirus as the cause of her death.
The details of their deaths were first confirmed by New Mexico’s chief medical examiner, Heather Jarrell, on March 7, 2025.
Jarrell explained that both Betsy and Gene’s autopsies were completed on February 27, 2025, just one day after their bodies were discovered. The couple’s passing sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans, friends, and family alike.
Despite their reclusive nature in their later years, Gene and Betsy had maintained a close-knit circle, and their loss was felt deeply within their community.
Gene’s three adult children, Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie, were present at the private memorial service that took place earlier in the month in Santa Fe.
Gene and Betsy were not alone when they passed away. Their bodies were discovered alongside the body of one of their dogs, a kelpie mix named Zinna, who had likely died from dehydration and starvation.
Santa Fe County animal control had previously revealed that two other dogs were found alive and well on the property. This detail added to the tragic nature of the discovery, highlighting the difficulties the couple had faced in their final days.
The loss of their beloved pets underscored the isolation the couple had likely endured in their last moments, further deepening the sorrow surrounding their deaths.
Betsy and Gene’s private life had been largely shielded from the public eye after Gene’s retirement from acting. They had settled into a quieter life in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they enjoyed their later years away from the limelight.
Their last public appearance together was in March 2024, when Gene, holding onto Betsy’s arm, was spotted dining at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Santa Fe.
The rare outing was a touching reminder of the couple’s enduring bond, even as they faced the inevitable challenges of aging.
The photograph of that lunch together would become one of the last images of the couple, capturing the warmth and closeness that defined their long marriage.
In the wake of their deaths, many have reflected on Gene Hackman’s storied career in Hollywood and his transition from the silver screen to a private life in New Mexico.
Gene was widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation, with an illustrious career that spanned decades. His memorable roles in films such as The French Connection, Unforgiven, and The Royal Tenenbaums earned him critical acclaim and a lasting place in cinematic history.
His decision to retire from acting in 2004 was met with sadness by his fans, but it was clear that he valued his family life with Betsy above all else in his later years.
As news of Gene and Betsy’s deaths spread, tributes poured in from colleagues, friends, and admirers, celebrating their legacy and their enduring love.
Many shared stories of Gene’s kindness and generosity, while others remembered Betsy for her quiet strength and support of her husband throughout his career.
The couple’s passing marked the end of an era for many, as they had remained a symbol of enduring love and partnership, even as they lived out their final years in relative seclusion.
Gene and Betsy’s passing is a stark reminder of the fragility of life, and the inevitable passage of time that we all must face.
In the end, Gene and Betsy’s deaths were not just a personal tragedy for their family, but also a loss to the world. Their relationship, their contributions to the arts, and their private but loving existence will be remembered by those who knew them.
As their children and loved ones continue to mourn, they will no doubt carry forward the memories of a life well-lived, filled with both public triumphs and private joys.
Their love story, defined by decades of partnership, is one that will resonate long after their passing, as an example of enduring devotion and commitment.
