Beloved Hollywood actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, tragically passed away within a week of each other from natural causes, according to coroners. Hackman’s cause of death was determined to be heart disease, with his advanced Alzheimer’s disease also playing a role in his passing.
Arakawa, 65, sadly succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, an illness transmitted by infected rodents. Authorities believe that she may have passed away several days before her husband, who was 95 years old at the time of his death. It is heartbreaking to think that due to Hackman’s Alzheimer’s disease, he may not have been fully aware of the loss of his beloved wife.
The couple’s deaths have left fans and the entertainment industry in mourning, as they were revered for their talents and contributions to the world of film. Gene Hackman was known for his remarkable acting career, which spanned decades and included iconic roles in films such as “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven.”
Betsy Arakawa, a talented artist and businesswoman, was deeply devoted to her husband and played a significant role in supporting him throughout his career. Together, they shared a strong and enduring bond that was evident to all who knew them.
As news of their deaths spreads, tributes pour in from fans, friends, and colleagues. The loss of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa is truly a heartbreaking moment for the entertainment community, and their legacy will undoubtedly live on for generations to come.
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Video “Gene Hackman and his wife died one week apart from natural causes | BBC News” was uploaded on 03/08/2025 to Youtube Channel BBC News
then explain the dog that died, guess the dog died with a bone in its leg.
Who receives his money now
Inconclusive reporting.
I don't know why everyone is acting like they live in perfect nuclear family and speak to each other daily. He had advanced Alzheimer's. How do you talk to someone who barely remembers you if they do at all? Someone who may think its currently DECADES previous before which you were even born. Do you understand how upsetting it can be to them to have that realization? YOU aren't the patient. Keeping them calm and comfortable in their final days is all that matters, and sometimes that means keeping your distance. Its the same reason his wife probably didn't have an outside helpers coming in, he probably found it upsetting. This shit is reality for hundreds of thousands of families, some even next door to you. Show them some grace and understanding.
It seems like he lost the will to live
Many commenters on this video are still pushing a “conspiracy theory🙄” This proves many Americans lack of listening comprehension skills…and the average intelligence level has degraded, for decades.🙄😐
There was a confirmed timeline, via: phone…e-mail…manual and video camera. Both of the Hackmans had EXISTING HEALTH ISSUES. Unfortunately, Gene’s wife was his main caretaker.
So, once she collapsed ( on Feb. 11th…from breathing issues ) ….Gene wandered, aimlessly.😔
Gene had advanced Alzheimers ….previous heart attacks…a pacemaker…and kidney damage. Thus….the 95 year-old man with Alzheimers ( and heart disease ) missed his medication….and wandered until his pacemaker stopped.
The dog had a previous health issue. Hence, the wife retrieved it from the veterinarian. PEOPLE: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SOMEONE YOU TRUST TO ACCESS YOUR HOME & DO A HEALTH CHECK….BESIDES YOUR SPOUSE!!
This is love
Folks : at a critical Alzeihmer's stage, people cannot fend for themselves, they might not realize what's going on, let alone dialing any number or going to a neighbour…
and I am Henry the VIII
I would pay anything to know what his son and daughters are thinking now (about their lack of communication that concluded with this tragic event). Are they remourseful?
So sad. Poor folks. RIP.
Sadness . RIP.
What about the dog?
If someone had checked regularly, they could have rescued at least Gene and the poor dog. It doesn't mean the children or other people would have to live with them or take care of them, but at least, they could have put Gene in an hospice or a nursing home…
I find it so ironic that his family say he will be sorely missed. They never bothered to check on him knowing he was an elderly man suffering with Alzheimer's and other illnesses. Absolutely sad.
How heartbreaking 😞
Incredibly sad ending for them
This is such a sad story 😢
🙏🏽💔
This is just so sad. Respect and take care of your elders.
I would suggest that you have your elderly call someone each day, for a ‘how are you report.’ Or arrange that you call, at the same time each day, or visit, or have a care-taker do that. If you have a young adult, in that alone situation, you should do something similar, to ask how they are. A virus can knock you off, of your feet. If you are ill let someone know so that they can check, on you. This can happen, to anyone who gets ill. There are also bracelets, which the elderly can wear so that, if they fall, they can press a button and help gets called. Even if a Partner is caring for a person, with Dementia or Alzheimer’s, someone should check, on both of them. That is an exhausting job, especially, if feelings are involved. ❤
Rip both and the poor dog 1 bloody phone call doesn't hurt to check on these people 😢
Oh my