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Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa: New details on the couple’s mysterious death revealed
Autopsy rules out carbon monoxide as cause of death of Oscar-winning actor and his wife. New revelations about their health and habits before the tragic death
The investigation into the death of actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, is gaining new details. After the bodies were found in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on 26 February, an autopsy ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, one of the initial theories. According to Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, the couple showed no obvious signs of trauma, leaving room for further investigation to determine the exact cause of death.
Hackman’s body, slumped near the kitchen, appeared to have been lifeless for at least a week, with the last signal from his pacemaker dating back to 17 February. Despite the mysteries surrounding their deaths, Mendoza said there was no evidence to suggest foul play.
Decline in health: testimonies of friends and family members
Close friends and family members began sharing details about Hackman’s health in the last months of his life. Daniel and Barbara Lenihan, long-time friends of the couple, recounted that the actor’s health was clearly declining, making him increasingly dependent on Betsy, who had devoted herself completely to his care.
‘In recent times Gene was essentially confined to the house,’ said Daniel Lenihan, while his wife Barbara confirmed that the actor had even stopped cycling in the neighbourhood, a passion of his. Betsy Arakawa, a pianist by profession, was very attentive to Hackman’s health and tried to keep him active through yoga and puzzles, but the situation seemed irreversible.
In spite of this, statements by Hackman’s daughter Leslie Ann appear contradictory. ‘There were no signs of significant health problems,’ she said, although she had not spoken to her father in the months leading up to his death.
Mysterious changes in family communication
Another intriguing aspect is the abrupt change in family communication. Betsy, who had always been very close to her mother, Yoshie Feaster, had stopped her monthly calls since October. Feaster’s housekeeper confirmed that this behaviour was abnormal, as Betsy had always maintained regular contact. This element added further uncertainty to the reconstruction of the last months of the couple’s life.
A solid and reserved love: the memory of friends
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were a close couple, as pointed out by Doug Lanham, a restaurateur friend of the couple. Despite Hackman’s health difficulties, Betsy had always been at his side, even managing his diet and keeping their private life private. ‘They were a wonderful couple, always very close and kind,’ Lanham recalled.
Now, with the couple’s death and the investigation still ongoing, friends and family are trying to find answers. Authorities are awaiting the full results of toxicology tests, which could provide further clues as to the cause of their deaths.
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