Distressing new details have been revealed following the autopsy of Gene Hackman’s wife, two months after she tragically died from a rat-borne virus.

The couple, aged 95 and 65, were found dead and partially mummified in their mansion in Santa Fe, New Mexico in February. It has since been revealed that Ms Hackman died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) – a nasty rat-borne virus – in their bathroom days before her husband passed away.

Authorities have now disclosed new information about the woman’s lungs and vessels following the analysis of the autopsy. The post-mortem examination found that the concert pianist had fluid accumulation in her chest, and her lungs were heavy and congested. The report, released on Tuesday, showed that the 65 year old musician’s vessels, which supplied blood to the heart and body, had hardened.

It is understood that the pianist, who was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, was exposed to rat droppings in the couple’s garage and outhouses. Hantavirus is a rare but potentially deadly disease spread by infected rodent faeces, reports The Mirror.

The autopsy report stated that Ms Hackman tested negative for COVID-19 and flu, and showed no signs of trauma. Her carbon monoxide levels were within normal range, and she tested positive for caffeine and negative for alcohol and intoxicating drugs.

The legendary actor’s wife passed away first around February 12 due to respiratory symptoms caused by Hantavirus, according to New Mexico police. However, Mr Hackman, who was suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s disease, may not have been aware of his partner’s death.

The couple, who got married in December 1991, had a tragic end. Mr Hackman, known for his role as Lex Luthor in three Superman films, was previously married to Faye Maltese until their divorce in the late 1980s.

Mr Hackman, a three-time Golden Globe Award winner including 1993’s Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture for his role in Unforgiven, tested negative for Hantavirus, which cannot be transmitted between people.

His health issues were severe and chronic, with Fox reporting that he had “a history of congestive heart failure” and “severe chronic hypertensive changes, kidneys,” citing the Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico. He had a “bi-ventricular pacemaker” since April 2019 and “neurodegenerative features consistent with Alzheimer’s Disease,” according to the autopsy.

The recent documents revealed that the “Autopsy showed severe atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with placement of coronary artery stents and a bypass graft, as well as a previous aortic valve replacement,”.

“Remote myocardial infarctions were present involving the left ventricular free wall and the septum, which were significantly large. Examination of the brain showed microscopic findings of advanced stage Alzheimer’s disease.”