The late Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, reportedly withdrew from their social circles in the weeks leading up to their deaths. As authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding their passing, conflicting accounts have surfaced regarding Hackman’s health condition in his final months.
Mysterious Circumstances Surrounding Gene Hackman’s Passing
The Academy Award-winning actor, whose career spanned over four decades, was found deceased in his Santa Fe home alongside his wife. Initial speculations suggested a possible gas leak, but Santa Fe authorities ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning following an autopsy.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that Hackman’s pacemaker recorded its last activity on February 17, indicating that the actor may have been deceased for at least a week before his body was discovered in a mudroom adjacent to the kitchen. Police confirmed there were no signs of external trauma, and Mendoza stated that no foul play was suspected.
Friends and Family Recall Hackman’s Health Decline
Several close friends of Hackman and Arakawa spoke to the press, describing how the actor’s health had deteriorated in recent months. Longtime friends Daniel and Barbara Lenihan, along with their son Aaron, revealed to People magazine that Hackman’s physical condition had been in noticeable decline.
A Declining State in His Final Months
Daniel Lenihan noted that in recent months, Hackman had become increasingly homebound. His wife, Barbara, recalled that the actor had given up his routine bike rides around the neighborhood about a year before his passing.
Their son, Aaron, emphasized how dedicated Arakawa was to caring for Hackman, ensuring he remained mentally and physically engaged.
Longtime friend Doug Lanham corroborated these claims in an interview with TMZ, sharing that Arakawa monitored Hackman’s diet carefully, opting for healthier choices at the restaurant Lanham owned.
Contrasting Accounts from Hackman’s Family
However, these accounts stand in stark contrast to statements made by Hackman’s daughter, Leslie Ann Hackman. Speaking with Daily Mail, Leslie Ann insisted that her father was in good health before his death.
Leslie Ann, one of Hackman’s three children from his first marriage, believed that a gas leak might have caused his death. However, the Santa Fe authorities ruled out that possibility. Notably, Leslie Ann admitted that she had not spoken to her father in months prior to his passing.
Unusual Silence from Arakawa’s Side of the Family
Similarly, questions have arisen about Arakawa’s side of the family. According to her mother’s housekeeper, Keiko, Arakawa had not contacted her mother, Yoshie Feaster, since October. The housekeeper, who takes care of Feaster in Hawaii, said that such an extended period of silence was highly unusual.
Ongoing Investigation into the Timeline of Events
Authorities are continuing to piece together the final months of the couple’s lives. Investigators removed a personal calendar from the home, which could provide crucial insights into their last days. The toxicology reports for both Hackman and Arakawa are expected in the coming months, which may help shed light on the mystery surrounding their deaths.
While speculation continues, the loss of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa has left Hollywood and their loved ones searching for answers. As details unfold, the world mourns the passing of one of cinema’s most celebrated talents and his devoted wife.
