Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, who passed away at 93, may have lived longer than expected thanks to the devoted care of his wife, Betsy Arakawa. A longtime friend revealed that Arakawa, 64, took extraordinary measures to ensure Hackman remained in good health, even as his condition declined in recent years.
Tom Allin, a family friend, described Arakawa as a guardian angel who was deeply protective of her husband. He recalled visiting the couple around Hackman’s 90th birthday and noticing signs of frailty. Despite this, Arakawa maintained a strict routine to safeguard his well-being.
Another close friend, Doug Lanham, echoed this sentiment, stating that Arakawa placed Hackman on a rigid diet to keep him in the best possible shape. She allowed him occasional indulgences, but only when he was with his golf buddies. Lanham emphasized that Arakawa took Hackman’s health seriously and remained by his side through his struggles.
The Tragic Circumstances Surrounding Their Deaths
Hackman and Arakawa were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26. Authorities discovered that Arakawa had passed away nearly a week before her husband, but due to Hackman’s advanced Alzheimer’s, he likely did not realize she was gone.
Dr. Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Investigator, determined that Hackman died from hypertensive atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a contributing factor. She speculated that he may have been unaware of Arakawa’s death and was unable to seek help.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden supported this theory, suggesting that Hackman’s mental decline prevented him from recognizing the emergency. He stated that Hackman’s cognitive deterioration made it impossible for him to call for assistance after his wife passed.
The official report also revealed that Arakawa’s cause of death was linked to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and often fatal disease carried by rodents. The virus is transmitted through contact with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents.
A Life Marked by Love and Discipline
Despite Hackman’s declining health, his daughter, Leslie Hackman, insisted that he remained active in his later years. She shared that he practiced Pilates and yoga multiple times a week and maintained a strict fitness routine. Even when dining out at Jinja Bar & Bistro, the restaurant he co-owned, he consistently chose healthy options such as salmon or halibut.
As Hollywood mourns the loss of a cinematic icon, those who knew Hackman best remember him not just for his legendary career but for the unwavering devotion of his wife. Friends believe Arakawa’s dedication prolonged his life, making their tragic deaths even more heartbreaking.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.