Gene Hackman often credited his wife, Betsy Arakawa, as a key factor in his long life. A close friend, Tom Allin, shared that Betsy was very caring and protective of Hackman. She took on the role of his main caregiver, especially in the time leading up to his death.
The couple’s bodies were discovered in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on February 26. Maintenance workers found them after they couldn’t reach them. Reports indicated that Hackman passed away at 95 due to heart disease, with Alzheimer’s contributing to his health decline.
Allin, who was friends with Hackman for 20 years, recalled how Betsy ensured Hackman ate well, saying he might not have lived as long without her support. At Hackman’s 90th birthday bash, he remembered seeing Betsy mixing soda water into the actor’s wine, highlighting her attentiveness to his health.
This care became even more vital as time went on. The couple had a yearly tradition where Hackman would cook for Betsy’s birthday. In 2023, however, she returned home to find that he had forgotten the celebration, a sign of his worsening memory.
Tragically, Betsy passed away just a week before Hackman, reportedly from Hantavirus, which is spread by rodent droppings. It affects the lungs but does not spread between people. Sheriff officials indicated that Hackman likely did not realize Betsy had died due to his Alzheimer’s.
According to the New Mexico Chief Medical Examiner, there was no food in Hackman’s stomach when he died, and although he had not eaten recently, there was no sign of dehydration. His pacemaker data suggested he died on February 18, after spending a week at home following Betsy’s death.
Hackman and Betsy shared a close bond, with his daughter, Leslie Anne, remarking on their wonderful marriage and how grateful she was for Betsy’s care. Friends noted that as Hackman’s health slipped, the couple had become more reclusive. Betsy worked hard to keep him engaged and active, emphasizing her dedication to his well-being.
As they faced health challenges together, the love and support Betsy provided to Hackman is fondly remembered by friends and family alike.
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Source linkCelebrities,Entertainment,actors,alzheimer’s disease,celebrity deaths,death,deaths,gene hackman,heart disease,new mexico
