Gene Hackman's heartbreaking handwritten notes to wife Betsy Arakawa found at home after their deaths
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered dead in their Santa Fe home in February.
New documents and images released by police show the couple’s private, loving bond through handwritten notes found throughout the house.
The two had been married since 1991 and remained deeply devoted until the end. Hackman, 95, reportedly died from a heart condition a week after Betsy, 65, died from hantavirus.
Gene Hackman wrote heartfelt notes to ‘lovely girl’ Betsy Arakawa
Investigators uncovered a bundle of handwritten letters between the couple, offering a glimpse into their caring relationship.
Hackman, who reportedly had severe dementia, would affectionately address and sign his notes to Betsy Arakawa with “Love, G.”
In one letter, he asks for help in preparing a Birthday dinner, “Good morning. Happy several days after your birthday. Sorry still about the dinner and having to ask for your help, although it was appreciated.” He ended with, “Love you and the guys, G.”
Another note shows Hackman’s attempt at humor while acknowledging a debilitating condition.
He wrote, “Ho, Ho, I am off to see the Wizard, the Wizz of Achie, Pokie. 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," Daily Mail reported.
Gene Hackman joked about memory loss in notes to Betsy Arakawa
In another message, Gene Hackman noted his difficulty remembering his errands due to dementia
He scrawled, “I'm going down to that building out past the hot water place where you sit, and do whatever it is that people are supposed to do in such a building – maybe I'll remember once I get down there.”
He ended that note with, “Love what’s his name.”
Betsy often left him encouraging reminders, pasting messages all over the house, while she managed the household.
One note read, “Hi G! Taking Zin to obedience class & the vet appt. See you back at home! There is jigsaw puzzle on the table. xo B.”
The police revealed in the now-released video that they found a stack of completed puzzles on a table, showing how the two shared quiet pastimes together.
Another partially visible note from Betsy mentioned a “water leak” in the house and was signed, “xo B.”
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa died a week apart
The couple’s bodies were discovered in separate areas of their home. Betsy Arakawa and one of their dogs were found in a bathroom near an open bottle of pills.
She died on February 11 from hantavirus, a rare disease spread by rodent droppings.
Hackman died about a week later from heart-related issues, reportedly unaware of his wife’s death due to his advanced dementia. His last signal from the pacemaker was recorded on February 18.
Police released documents and body camera footage on Tuesday after a court ruled that most materials in the case were public records. Images or videos of the bodies are ordered to be redacted.
The investigation records of the environmental assessment of the property found rodent feces in several outbuildings and live traps on the property.
Between Feb 8 and the morning of Feb 12, Betsy was researching medical conditions related to Covid-19 and flu-like symptoms, according to the records released by the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office.
