A series of handwritten notes jotted by late actor Gene Hackman to his wife Betsy Arakawa were uncovered at the couple’s home following their deaths.
Hackman and Arakawa, readers will remember, were found in heartbreaking circumstances at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico in February. The pair’s passing – as well as that of one of their dogs – came to light after a maintenance worker visited their property and found the front door ajar. After looking through a window, he spotted Arakawa lying motionless on the floor and 9-1-1 was called.
Despite their initial cause of death being a mystery that quickly caught the attention of the world, it was ultimately determined that Arakawa, 65, had succumbed to the rare hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a disease spread to humans through infected rodent droppings or saliva.
People report that Oscar-winning actor Hackman, 95, thereafter died from cardiovascular disease. He also had advanced Alzheimer’s disease, which officials said contributed to his death. Heartbreakingly, it was also speculated that the Behind Enemy Lines actor may not have even been aware that his wife had died.
Earlier this week, new details surrounding the case were released, including bodycam footage of authorities accessing the home and encountering the bodies of Arakawa and Hackman.
Officials also revealed that Arakawa had made a series of Google searches in her final days as the aforementioned virus took hold.
A review of her computer discovered that the classical pianist had searched medical conditions related to Covid-19 and flu-like symptoms between 8 February and the morning of 12 February. Her queries included questions over whether Covid could cause dizziness or nosebleeds.
A string of handwritten notes penned by Hackman to Arakawa also came to light, the majority of which are signed off ‘Love, G.’
As per reports, the notes were found in various places about the couple’s mansion, with one reading: “Morning lovely girl, thinking of you and the other little guys. Love G.”
In another, Hackman apologized for a birthday dinner he had asked Arakawa to help with:
“Good morning. Happy several days after your birthday. Sorry still about the dinner and having to ask for your help, although it was appreciated. Love you and the guys, G.”
In a third note, Hackman appeared to poke fun at his own health battles.
“Ho, Ho, I am off to see the Wizard, the Wizz of Achie, Pokie,” the late actor wrote. “She stabs me here and stabs me there, she stabs me almost everywhere (almost).
“But I’ll survive because after I am still alive. (But some times just barely). Love G.”
According to Adan Mendoza, Santa Fe County Sheriff, Hackman’s pacemaker’s last event was recorded on February 17. Arakawa, it’s believed, passed away some days prior.
Rest in peace, Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.
