Acclaimed veteran actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were tragically found dead in their Santa Fe home earlier this week, with authorities suggesting that Hackman had likely been deceased for approximately nine days before their bodies were discovered. The couple’s passing has shocked the entertainment world and left many fans mourning the loss of the Hollywood icon. Close friends of the couple have come forward to share insights into the decline of Hackman’s health in the months leading up to the tragedy.
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The couple’s family friends, Daniel and Barbara Lenihan, along with their son Aaron, spoke exclusively to PEOPLE about their close bond with Hackman and Arakawa spanning over three decades. They revealed that Hackman’s health had taken a turn for the worse recently, with the actor becoming increasingly home-bound and less active. Despite Betsy’s efforts to keep him engaged with activities like puzzles and virtual yoga sessions, Hackman’s health reportedly continued to deteriorate as time passed.
Barbara Lenihan highlighted that Betsy was in excellent health herself and took meticulous care of Hackman, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, always wearing a mask when out in public. The Lenihans described the couple’s relationship as incredibly tight-knit and loving, emphasizing their shared passion for the arts and their respective talents. Betsy, a classical pianist, and Gene, an artist, had a deep appreciation for creativity, with their home reflecting their dedication to their crafts.
The circumstances surrounding the couple’s passing have raised questions and speculation, as Betsy was reportedly found in the bathroom next to a space heater and an open bottle of medications. Autopsy results are pending, but initial reports indicate that both individuals had been deceased for a period of time before being discovered. Sheriff Adan Mendoza revealed that Hackman’s pacemaker had stopped functioning days before their bodies were found, adding to the mystery of their deaths.
Following initial concerns of carbon monoxide poisoning, authorities have ruled out this possibility and do not suspect foul play in the tragic incident. The community in Santa Fe, where Hackman and Arakawa had lived for 35 years, is mourning the loss of the beloved couple. The couple’s impact on the local community and the entertainment industry as a whole has been profound, leaving a lasting legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
As details continue to emerge and investigations unfold, fans and colleagues of Gene Hackman are left grappling with the sudden and heartbreaking loss of a legendary actor and his wife. The couple’s love story and creative pursuits have touched the lives of many, and their memory will endure through the countless contributions they made to the world of art and culture. The profound impact of their work and their compassionate spirits will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing them.
In this time of grief and reflection, the world pays tribute to Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, celebrating their lives and the indelible mark they have left on the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to cross paths with them. Their unwavering bond and dedication to each other serve as a testament to the enduring power of love and creativity, reminding us all to cherish the moments we have with our loved ones and to honour the legacies of those who have touched our lives in profound ways.