'Suddenly finding your loved one dead on the floor that can increase your adrenaline and that stimulates your heart to beat faster'
Pathologist James Gill theorizes that Gene Hackman or his wife, Betsy Arakawa, may have died of "broken heart syndrome" after one found the other dead, causing a fatal surge of adrenaline and stress, especially given Hackman's history of heart disease. Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their Santa Fe home, with Arakawa showing signs of decomposition, suggesting they had been deceased for some time. Police determined Hackman had suffered a fall.