Movies

‘G’ and his ‘lovely girl’: Gene Hackman penned poignant notes to wife amid Alzheimer’s battle

BBG News

Newly disclosed documents from the inquiry into Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s passing have been made available by officials, containing a touching correspondence between them that underscores their strong bond as his health deteriorated due to Alzheimer’s disease.

Occasionally, the correspondence reveals a mix of humor, sorrow, depth, and everyday moments, providing a peek into the intimate and affectionate lifestyle the pair maintained prior to their discoveries at their Santa Fe estate in February. Both had passed away.

In a heartwarming manner, the Academy Award-winning actor often concluded his letters with the affectionate moniker “Love G.” He also tenderly addressed his partner of 33 years, Arakawa, as “My Sweetheart” or simply “Dear Girl.

In some of the letters, he appeared to poke fun at his deteriorating memory.

He plans to visit the structure located beyond the hot water spot, where folks usually gather and perform their respective tasks. Perhaps he’ll recall exactly why upon arrival, he noted in the letter, signing it affectionately as “whats his name.

In another correspondence, he penned a playful poem hinting at a possible medical appointment, stating, “I’m visiting the mystic, the mystical practitioner of Achie Pokie. She pokes me here, she pokes me there, it feels like she’s almost everywhere I am.

The message continues, “I’ll make it through, for I am still here, though at times it’s a struggle.” Signed, “Love, G.

In his later years, 95-year-old Hackman leaned heavily on Arakawa, who was 65 at the time, for caregiving. Various images found around their home revealed Arakawa’s meticulous records of Hackman’s medication doses and schedules, as well as her logged medical appointment dates in her calendar.

In a single note, Hackman extended his greetings to Arakawa, saying “Wishing you happiness on several days following your birthday,” and expressed regret about the missed dinner and needing assistance, stating “I’m sorry I couldn’t make it for the dinner and had to ask for your help. It was greatly appreciated.

Arakawa also penned down reminders for Hackman at their residence, indicating her destination and activities.

In a single note, she mentioned that she was enrolling their pet dog, Zin, into an obedience training course and had placed a jigsaw puzzle on the table for him. Another notice, stuck onto the wall, said, “Yoga at 12:30 p.m.”

In a single letter, she informed them that she was signing up their dog Zin for an obedience training class and had set out a jigsaw puzzle on the table for him to work on. Another piece of paper affixed to the wall indicated her plan to practice yoga at 12:30 p.m.

It’s reported that Arakawa passed away, around February 11th, due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome – a seldom and usually deadly respiratory disease transmitted by rodents, according to the New Mexico medical investigator’s office. During an environmental evaluation, investigators discovered rodent droppings, dead rodents, and nests in structures on their property; yet, they found no signs of rodents in their primary residence.

After a few days, Hackman passed away from the intricacies of severe Alzheimer’s, kidney issues, and heart disease, as confirmed by the medical examiner. It is suspected that he might have been wandering around the house for several days unknowingly about Arakawa’s demise and incapable of seeking aid due to his advanced health condition.

California

Officials in Santa Fe County reported the passing of actor Gene Hackman due to heart disease, with Alzheimer’s disease playing a role, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, from hantavirus infection. It is believed that rodents may have played a part in her death.

Amongst the couple’s three pets, a mixed breed Australian Kelpie named Zinna, tragically passed away and was found inside a cage at their residence, when authorities checked on them on February 26th.

An autopsy determined that Zinna passed away as a result of severe dehydration and lack of food, which occurred because she was kept in confinement. Meanwhile, the other two dogs on the premises, who had the freedom to roam, were discovered still alive and were placed under care.

Newly unveiled images from the investigation reveal that the couple proudly exhibited numerous agility awards earned by their beloved pets, adorning their home with them.

This week, apart from fresh images of the house and correspondence, the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office disclosed body camera footage, an ecological review, and a comprehensive investigation summary.

In response to a request from the Hackman family, a New Mexico judge had initially prevented the disclosure of any documents related to the death investigation. However, on March 31, another judge decided that these investigation records could be made public, provided they did not explicitly depict the deceased couple’s bodies.

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2025-04-18 13:31

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