The "Unforgiven" actor and his wife passed away just a week apart, both due to natural causes. Their friends have spoken out about their last contact with them.
Authorities have shed light on the final hours of Betsy Arakawa, the wife of legendary actor Gene Hackman, before her passing. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza detailed her movements on February 11, the day authorities said she died.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend a premiere of "The Chamber" at the Academy Theater, Beverly Hills, California, on October 2, 1996 | Source: Getty Images
Mendoza revealed that Arakawa engaged in a routine day that ended with unanswered emails and a lingering mystery. Arakawa's day began with an email to her massage therapist in the morning, followed by a trip to a grocery store in the afternoon.
Surveillance footage later captured her making a quick stop at CVS Pharmacy. Mendoza noted that she wore a mask in public that day, a habit friends say she followed to protect her husband, who has Alzheimer's, from illnesses.
Her errands continued with a visit to a pet food store before she returned home around 5:15 p.m. That marked the last known activity from Arakawa, as she did not respond to any emails after that.
Mendoza also shared that two days earlier, on February 9, Arakawa had picked up Zinna, the couple’s dog, from a veterinary procedure, which may explain why the pet was found crated.
Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman during PCC Celebrity Art Show in Beverly Hills, California, on September 11, 1991 | Source: Getty Images
However, aside from what she did, information about what Arakawa failed to do on February 11 has also been shared. Gene Hackman's wife never picked up the prescription dog food and medication she had ordered for one of her beloved pets from Gruda Veterinary Hospital in southwest Santa Fe.
For years, Arakawa had been a regular at the clinic, always ensuring her three dogs, Zinna, Bear, and Nikita, had everything they needed. When she failed to collect the order, staff at the clinic grew concerned.
Gene Hackman with Betsy Arakawa at the United Celebral Palsy of New York City's 15th annual Champagne Stakes at Etoile restaurant in 2000 | Source: Getty Images
A week later, after February 17, the veterinary office attempted to reach her, leaving reminders that the food was ready for pickup. But there was no response as by then it was too late.
Robert Gruda, the hospital's owner noted, "She was devoted to those dogs. She was consistent, predictable. We knew something was wrong when she didn't pick up the food on time."
Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa spotted at Spago in West Hollywood, California, on September 5, 1988 | Source: Getty Images
When asked whether anyone was assisting with Hackman’s care, Mendoza stated that there was no evidence of a caretaker at the residence. Arakawa seems to have been the only one taking care of Hackman, managing many aspects of his daily routine.
The classical pianist arranged his golf outings, monitored his diet due to his long-standing heart issues, and even diluted his wine with soda water. As a dedicated companion, she also typed and edited his handwritten novels.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend the Toyota Pro-Celebrity Race in Long Beach, California, on April 4, 1987 | Source: Getty Images
In his final years, she took on the full weight of caregiving, determined to be by his side until the very end. Sadly, as per authorities, Hackman and Arakawa, passed away just a week apart, both from natural causes.
Betsy Arakawa passed away, likely on February 11. Her body was found on the bathroom floor of the home she shared with Hackman. She had succumbed to a rare but deadly rodent-borne illness, hantavirus.
Alone in the house, Hackman, suffering from advanced Alzheimer's, lived for another week before he too passed away due to heart disease on February 18. He collapsed in a mudroom with a cane and sunglasses nearby.
