The shocking news of the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa has left the world mourning.
The couple, who had been married for over 30 years, was found dead in their New Mexico home in late February.
As the investigation into their deaths continues, more details are emerging about the circumstances surrounding their passing.
A Devoted Wife and Caregiver
Betsy Arakawa, 65, was not only Hackman’s partner but also his devoted caregiver.
She took every precaution to keep him healthy, from wearing masks everywhere she went to encouraging him to stay fit through biking and yoga on Zoom.
Friends and family members have described the couple as being deeply in love and supportive of each other.
The Investigation Unfolds
According to the New Mexico medical investigator’s office, Arakawa died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease caused by contact with infected rodents.
Hackman, 95, died of heart disease, with his advanced Alzheimer’s disease being a significant contributory factor.
Authorities believe that Arakawa died first, and Hackman may not have realized she was gone due to his condition.
Piecing Together the Timeline
Investigators have been working to reconstruct the events leading up to the couple’s deaths.
They found that Arakawa’s last known interactions were on February 11, when she exchanged emails with her massage therapist and visited several stores.
After that, there was no further communication or activity from her. Hackman’s body was found on the ground near the kitchen, with a walking cane and sunglasses next to him, on February 26.
The Role of Alzheimer’s Disease
Hackman’s advanced Alzheimer’s disease played a significant role in his death, according to authorities.
The disease, which affects nearly 7 million Americans, can lead to severe memory loss and the inability to carry out daily activities.
Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a medicine and surgery professor at George Washington University, explained that as people advance in the sequence of their Alzheimer’s disease, they become more and more reliant on a caregiver.
A Love Story Spanning Three Decades
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s love story began when they met at a California fitness center in the 1980s.
They married in 1991 and enjoyed a life filled with love, music, and literature. Friends and family members have described them as a devoted and loving couple who shared a passion for animals and the arts.
Remembering the Couple
As the investigation into their deaths continues, friends and family members are remembering the couple for their love, kindness, and generosity.
Daniel and Barbara Lenihan, close friends of the couple, described them as “very easy people to get along with” and praised their love and devotion to each other.
The world will miss this beloved couple, and their legacy will live on through their love and contributions to the arts.