Why Gene Hackman and wife’s death investigation will remain open despite official cause of death being shared

Despite their causes of death being confirmed, the investigation into Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's passings will remain open.

The details of the couple's tragic demise were revealed on Friday (7 March) following weeks of speculation after they were found dead at their Santa Fe home on 26 February.

Officials announced that film legend Hackman, whose career in Hollywood spanned over four decades, had passed away from cardiovascular disease.

Alzheimer's disease was also a significant contributory factor, Dr Heather Jarrell of the New Mexico Medical Investigator's Office said.

It is believed that the 95-year-old actor died on 18 February, a week after his classical pianist wife Arakawa died from Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

This is an airborne virus carried by rodents, which spreads to humans through infected droppings or saliva.

The investigation into Hackman and Arakawa's deaths will remain open (Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)

Arakawa, 65, is believed to have died on 11 February, and authorities believe Hackman may not have known that she was no longer alive due to his 'very poor state of health'.

"Hackman showed evidence of advanced Alzheimer’s disease," Dr Jarrell said. "He was in a very poor state of health. He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately that is what resulted in his in his death."

Although their causes of death were described as 'natural' and confirmed not to be criminal in nature, Santa Fe Sheriff Adam Mendoza said the case will remain open.

This is because investigators still need to 'close the loopholes', Mendoza explained at a press conference on Friday.

Police are still waiting on the results of a probe into the death of one of Hackman and Arakawa's dogs, Zinna, who was also found dead at their home on 26 February.

The animal was said to have been found in a kennel in a bathroom closet close to where Arakawa's body was.

As well as this, Mendoza explained investigators are waiting on the couple's phone records too - even though he thinks it's 'very unlikely' they will recover any new information from the devices.

Police still need to 'close the loopholes' in the case (Facebook)

The sheriff said: "We consider this an open investigation until we close the loopholes of the cell phone, until we finish out the necropsy results of the canine and the other loose ends that we need to tie up.

"But, you know, I think we're pretty close to the timeline and with the information that Dr. Jarrell provided."

Mendoza said he didn't know whether Hackman even used a mobile phone or attempted to contact anyone in the week after his wife died.

He added: "I don't know if he used cell phones or technology or emails, there's no indication of that. So right now, there is no activity from Mr. Hackman."

However, it is hoped that Arakawa's phone might uncover some new details.

When asked if he was aware of the musician informing anyone of her ill health before her death, Mendoza said: "Again, we're going through some of the communications, and I think the cellphones may have some indications of that prior to the 11th.

"But as of this moment, I don't have any information that she was indicating that she was feeling ill during any communication."