Gene Hackman’s family friend reveals late actor’s health was 'really slipping' in last couple of months

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Gene Hackman had been struggling with declining health in the months leading up to his death, according to close family friends.

The 95-year-old legendary actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered dead in their home on February 26, raising questions about their final days.

Gene Hackman’s health declined significantly in recent months

The sudden death of Gene Hackman shocked the entertainment industry, but those close to him were aware that his health had been deteriorating for some time.

On February 28, longtime family friends Daniel and Barbara Lenihan, along with their son, Aaron, spoke to People about the couple’s final months.

Daniel Lenihan revealed that Hackman had become "essentially kind of home-bound" in recent years.

Barbara added that about a year ago, Hackman stopped his routine bike rides around the neighborhood, a significant change in his active lifestyle.

Aaron elaborated, saying that Arakawa tried to keep her husband engaged in daily activities like puzzles and Zoom yoga sessions.

“She was still trying to keep him as active and engaged and healthy as possible,” Aaron shared.

However, despite her efforts, Hackman’s condition worsened.

“In the last couple of months, he was really slipping there,” Daniel and Barbara noted.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s strong bond

The Lenihans, who had known the couple for over 30 years, described their deep bond.

“They were one of the tightest couples I’ve seen. They seemed like real life partners—really, really close to each other," said Aaron.

Barbara agreed, recalling Hackman’s admiration for his wife.

“Gene was as proud of Betsy as she was of him,” she said.

Arakawa, a former concert pianist, had a studio at their home that housed her grand pianos, while Hackman used the other half as his art studio.

Aaron noted that Arakawa had been highly protective of Hackman, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“She’d always wear a mask when we’d see her out,” he said.

The discovery of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's bodies

On February 26, authorities found Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa dead in separate areas of their Santa Fe home.

Their German Shepherd was also deceased while two other dogs were found alive on the property.

According to an affidavit for a search warrant, Arakawa was discovered in the bathroom near a space heater and an open bottle of pills, including a thyroid medication, Tylenol, and the high blood pressure drug diltiazem.

Her body showed signs of "mummification," while Hackman was found in another part of the house with similar "obvious signs of death."

Authorities determined that the actor’s pacemaker had stopped functioning on February 17, indicating that he had likely been dead for approximately nine days before he was discovered, according to People.

Unanswered questions surrounding Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's deaths

Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza addressed the media on February 28, stating that it remains unclear who died first.

“It’s a very hard thing to determine,” he admitted.

Autopsy and toxicology results, expected in the coming weeks, may provide further clarity.

Despite the unusual circumstances, officials have stated that there are no signs of foul play.