A seasoned pathologist posits that either Gene Hackman or Betsy Arakawa succumbed to the poignant weight of a broken heart. Meanwhile, Chief Medical Examiner James Gill, an uninvolved observer in the probe into the couple's demise, ventured into speculating about the tragic circumstances that might have led to their passing. Speaking to People on Thursday, Gill noted that instances of two natural deaths occurring simultaneously are "not unprecedented," often attributed to "a broken heart-like phenomenon."
Gill, who serves at the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, elaborated, "The sudden discovery of one's beloved lying lifeless on the floor could spike adrenaline levels, accelerating the heartbeat and potentially causing an irregular rhythm." He further emphasized that such a traumatic experience could plunge individuals into despair, prompting impulsive decisions regarding their own safety.
However, Gill cautioned that the toxicology analysis "will play a crucial role in ruling out causes such as intoxication or physical trauma." He added, "The autopsy and toxicology tests are essential for a definitive conclusion. Until then, it remains speculative."
According to Jefferson Health, "Broken heart syndrome," also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo syndrome, typically strikes after a physically or emotionally traumatic event, such as the loss of a cherished companion. In such cases, an influx of adrenaline and other stress hormones like epinephrine can elevate heart rate and blood pressure, mimicking heart attack symptoms.
Gill conjectured that the couple, married since 1991, passed away from natural causes, with Hackman, aged 95, possibly collapsing first. "Given his history of heart disease and the pacemaker, this isn't unusual," he explained. "What is unusual is why she also collapsed?" He speculated that upon finding Hackman, Arakawa's stress might have triggered a natural death.
Conversely, Gill acknowledged that Arakawa, 65, could have preceded Hackman in death, with the iconic actor discovering her and collapsing either while seeking help or retrieving his phone. "Considering his age and existing heart condition, this scenario is equally plausible," he noted. "However, an autopsy would reveal whether she suffered from heart disease, cancer, or other ailments."
Hackman and Arakawa were discovered deceased in their Santa Fe home on February 26, though they likely perished days, if not weeks, earlier. Although a minute gas leak was detected at a stove burner, there were no signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Neither did the couple exhibit external trauma, and foul play is not suspected. Nevertheless, their deaths were deemed "suspicious" enough to merit an investigation.
Hackman was found near the kitchen, his glasses askew, hinting at a fall. Arakawa, meanwhile, lay on the bathroom floor, surrounded by scattered prescription pills. Police confiscated three types of medications—Tylenol, a thyroid medication, and Diltiazem, used to treat hypertension or chest pain—from their residence. Arakawa was in a state of decomposition, with facial bloating and mummified hands and feet.
Their Australian Kelpie mix, Zinna, initially misidentified as a German Shepherd, was also found deceased in its crate, adding to the poignant tableau of their final moments.
