A close friend of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa has shared the tragic reason why the late Hollywood icon couldn’t reach out for help following his wife’s passing.
The entertainment world was left in disbelief when, late last month, the decomposed bodies of Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were found in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home.
Initially, there was speculation that the couple may have fallen victim to carbon monoxide poisoning or a gas leak, while some more extreme theories even suggested foul play.
At first, reports indicated that authorities did not suspect any wrongdoing in their deaths, but subsequent updates revealed enough doubt to launch a thorough investigation.
Since then, the public has been anxiously awaiting the results of the toxicology reports, with bits of information emerging daily.
Finally, late last week, it was confirmed that both Arakawa and Hackman passed away from natural causes, although the details surrounding their deaths were surprising. It was reported that Arakawa succumbed to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a rare and often deadly illness contracted through exposure to rodent droppings or urine.
According to The Guardian, in recent years, Arakawa had taken on the role of primary caregiver for Hackman. The two-time Oscar winner was battling Alzheimer’s disease, which left him unable to perform even basic tasks. Consequently, Arakawa managed their home and made sure her husband remained active and safe.
Following her passing, which is believed to have occurred around February 11, Hackman was reportedly left alone in their shared home for several days, feeling disoriented and unable to ask for assistance. During a later press conference, investigators suggested that he might not have even realized that his wife had passed away.
The Daily Mail reported that a close friend of the couple, Tom Allin, disclosed that Hackman was unable to call for help after his wife’s death because he did not own a phone and had little interest in technology.
“This is truly heartbreaking. Mrs. Hackman has passed away, and Gene was so far along in his Alzheimer’s that he was wandering around and not eating,” an insider shared, indicating that Hackman’s severe illness was a “significant factor” in his own decline.
They further noted, “Without a phone, he wouldn’t have been able to call for help, even if he had wanted to.”
Tragically, one of their three dogs, Zinna, was also found deceased in a crate when maintenance worker Jesse Kesler discovered the Hackmans’ bodies.
Rest in peace, Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.