Hollywood actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26, with the circumstances of their death remaining a mystery for weeks as authorities investigated.

Not long after their deaths, it was revealed that Betsy had died from respiratory failure caused by hantavirus, a rare and deadly illness contracted through exposure to rodent droppings and saliva. Now, more than two months later, Gene’s cause of death has finally been confirmed in an autopsy report, giving a tragic insight into the legendary actor’s final days before he passed away.

Official documents state that in addition to heart disease, his body contained acetone, which is "also a product of diabetic and fasting-induced ketoacidosis as well as a metabolite following isopropanol ingestion," leading to the conclusion that Gene's elevated levels would indicate extended periods of not eating.

Medical examiners have now put Betsy's time of death at around ten days before Gene, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Gene’s autopsy results suggest the Oscar-winning actor spent several days wandering their home alone, not eating or drinking properly.

His cognitive decline, caused by the late stages of Alzheimer's, likely shielded him, and he possibly never realised she had passed away. A previous autopsy report found the former actor to have no food in his stomach, indicating he probably had not eaten for a week before his death.

In addition to the autopsy findings, police have also released videos showing officers returning to the couple’s home to look for further evidence. One piece of footage shows law enforcement asking nearby workers questions and looking for further evidence of the couple’s cause of death.

Speaking to a man who did pest control at the house, he told police that he had not seen Hackman in at least a month. Revealing it was normal not to see or speak to the couple during his visits, he added that the last time he saw the actor, they waved to each other but didn’t talk. He told the officers, “He was looking frail. He was bent over with a cane. His hair was sort of wild.”

Authorities state that Arakawa died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a disease found in rodents that can cause a flu-like illness, including headaches, dizziness, and severe respiratory issues.

After the discovery of Gene and Betsy's remains, the New Mexico Department of Public Health conducted an extensive inspection of the premises, finding it in a dire state.

The once Architectural Digest-featured mansion was overrun with rodents and clutter, with insiders who accessed the property describing it as a complete "mess."

Upon entering the property, authorities also discovered a deceased dog and another one of their beloved pets watching over Betsy's body in the bathroom. Another dog was also found roaming the property. The two animals have since been rehomed by authorities.