Authorities have released several heartbreaking notes that legendary actor Gene Hackman wrote for Betsy Arakawa before their untimely deaths in February.
On Feb. 26, the bodies of Hackman and Arakawa were found at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Police were called to the scene when security personnel saw their bodies through a window, and they emphasized early that foul play was not suspected.
After a thorough investigation, authorities determined that Arakawa died from the rare hantavirus pulmonary syndrome around Feb. 12. Officials believe Hackman died roughly a week later, around Feb. 18, from heart disease.
As Gene Hackman was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, it’s widely believed that he didn’t know of Betsy Arakawa’s death, and that his condition may have prevented him from seeking help.
According to Sophia Melissa Caraballo Piñeiro of Page Six, police have released a series of notes Gene Hackman wrote for his wife before their tragic deaths. In one note, Hackman wrote the following:
“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.”
One of Hackman’s other notes read:
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral General stories via Google! Follow Us
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. Love, what’s his name.”
Another note from Hackman:
“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 survive because after [sic] I am still alive. [But some times just barely]. Love, G.”
Gene Hackman & Betsy Arakawa Love Notes https://t.co/qLx4aTFiXU
— Sync Mashene | Las Vegas (@syncmashene) April 16, 2025
Hackman won the Academy Award as Best Actor for his role as Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in the 1971 blockbuster, The French Connection. Hackman also won Best Supporting Actor for his role as Sheriff “Little” Bill Daggett in the Clint Eastwood 1992 Western, Unforgiven.
Gene Hackman & Betsy Arakawa Were Together For 40 Years
Hackman and Arakawa began dating in 1984 and tied the knot in 1991, lasting 40 years together. Hackman was previously married to Faye Maltese from 1956 to 1986, and they had three children.
Arakawa was a classical pianist and played at the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra. She later met Hackman while she was working at a fitness center in Los Angeles, and the rest is history.
Also Read: Alarming Reports Surface From Inside Gene Hackman’s Home
