Gene Hackman’s Close Friend Says Betsy Arakawa Kept Him Alive

Authorities in Santa Fe are still grappling with unanswered questions surrounding the death of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman. As investigators piece together the details, Hackman’s longtime friend, Tom Allin, has shared key insights into the actor’s final years. Allin revealed that Hackman often credited his wife, Betsy Arakawa, for keeping him alive, as she carefully monitored his health and ensured he maintained a balanced diet. Recalling Hackman’s 90th birthday in 2020, Allin described Betsy’s devotion, even mixing soda water into his wine to reduce alcohol intake. However, by 2023, signs of decline became evident when Hackman forgot their annual birthday dinner tradition. The tragic discovery of Hackman and Betsy’s bodies in their New Mexico home left many stunned. Autopsy reports confirmed Hackman died of heart disease, with Alzheimer’s as a contributing factor, while Betsy succumbed to hantavirus. Pacemaker data suggests Hackman passed away a week after his wife, adding to the mystery surrounding their final days.