Gene Hackman’s pal speaks out after report reveals actor lived with wife Betsy Arakawa’s corpse for days
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: A close friend of Gene Hackman has expressed shock and disbelief after learning the startling details emerging from the investigation into the deaths of the 95-year-old actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
New Mexico officials confirmed on Friday, March 7, that Arakawa died from a rat-borne virus shortly after February 11, while Hackman is believed to have died from severe heart disease on February 18.
These revelations suggest that Hackman may have spent nearly a week alone with his wife’s body. The couple was found dead in separate areas of their $3.8 million Santa Fe home on February 26.
Gene Hackman's friend is shocked as reports claim actor spent a week with his wife's corpse
In an exclusive interview with Daily Mail, Doug Lanham, a close friend and business partner of Gene Hackman, expressed his disbelief over the actor's inability to call emergency services during the seven days after his wife fell in their bathroom.
"We all knew that he was in the late stages of Alzheimer’s. But he was still doing his writing and painting," Lanham shared.
The shocking details of the case left Lanham shaken, as he remarked, "That makes no sense. It’s very strange," his voice trembling with emotion. He added, "For me personally, it’s even more bizarre. I just can’t comprehend it."
Lanham and Hackman’s friendship dates back to around 2004 when they became close after Gene invested in Lanham’s Santa Fe restaurant, Jinja, where they maintained a strong bond for over a decade.
What did reports say about Betsy Arakawa's death?
In a shocking turn of events surrounding the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, autopsy results revealed that Arakawa died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.
Dr Heather Jarrell, the Chief Medical Investigator for the state of New Mexico, confirmed that the couple’s deaths were ruled natural, with no signs of internal or external trauma. She further suggested that Hackman, due to his advanced Alzheimer’s, likely did not realize his wife had died.
Arakawa is believed to have died first, on February 11, from complications related to the virus, which initially manifests as flu-like symptoms.
A source from the CDC reported that, although the couple’s primary residence showed no signs of rodent activity, outbuildings on the property—including a garage and two casitas—did have evidence of rodents, including droppings.
While Dr Jarrell noted that it’s difficult to determine the exact time of death, she concluded that Hackman likely died around February 18.
Betsy Arakawa’s last known activities revealed
A timeline of Gene Hackman’s wife’s last known activities revealed that on February 9, Betsy Arakawa had picked up their dog, Zinna, from a veterinary hospital.
On February 11, she exchanged emails with her massage therapist before heading to a farmers market later that afternoon.
CVS surveillance footage captured her soon after, before she stopped at a local pet food store. Her car was seen entering their gated community at 5.15 pm that same day.
Officials also reported that several emails from Arakawa went unopened on February 11, with no further communication from her account after that day. Detectives are still working to retrieve full data from her cell phone, but her last known activity was on February 11.
