The heartbreaking reason Gene Hackman couldn’t call for help after his wife’s tragic death

Beloved Hollywood actor Gene Hackman was left alone and helpless after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, passed away, due to his advanced Alzheimer’s disease and lack of access to a phone, a close friend has revealed.

The entertainment world was left in shock late last month when the decomposing bodies of Gene Hackman, 94, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 61, were discovered in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home. Speculation about the cause of their deaths ranged from carbon monoxide poisoning to more sinister theories, but investigators later confirmed that both died of natural causes.

The tragic circumstances of their deaths

Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, reportedly died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a rare and deadly viral infection often contracted from exposure to rodent droppings or urine. The illness progresses rapidly, causing severe respiratory distress, and can be fatal within days.

Authorities believe Arakawa passed away around February 11, leaving Hackman alone in their home, unable to comprehend the situation due to his advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Friends and investigators suspect that Hackman may not have even realized that his wife had died, leaving him disoriented and unable to seek help.

A heartbreaking revelation from a close friend

According to Tom Allin, a close friend of the couple, Hackman had no way to call for help. He revealed that the Oscar-winning actor, known for his iconic roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven, did not own a phone and had no interest in technology.

“This is so sad. Mrs. Hackman died, and Gene was so far advanced with his Alzheimer’s that he was wandering around and didn’t eat,” an insider told the Daily Mail.

“If he didn’t have a phone, he couldn’t have called for help, even if he’d wanted to.”

Investigators later confirmed that malnutrition and dehydration were significant factors in Hackman’s passing. The actor, once known for his commanding screen presence, had become frail in recent years, relying on Arakawa as his primary caregiver.

A devastating loss

In addition to the tragic deaths of Hackman and Arakawa, one of their three dogs, Zinna, was found dead in a crate, further adding to the heartbreaking nature of the discovery.

The loss of Gene Hackman marks the end of an era in Hollywood. Despite retiring from acting in 2004, he remained one of the most respected figures in the industry. His passing, under such tragic circumstances, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s and the importance of support for elderly individuals living with the disease.

Rest in peace, Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.