Several handwritten letters from the late actor Gene Hackman to his wife Betsy Arakawa were found at their home after their deaths.
Readers may remember that Hackman and Arakawa were tragically found at their house in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in February. It was found that the couple and one of their cats had died when a maintenance worker came to their home and noticed the front door open. Peering through a window, he spotted Arakawa lying still on the floor and dialed 9-1-1.
Although their initial cause of death was a mystery that instantly garnered international attention, Arakawa, 65, was eventually found to have died from the uncommon hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which is caught via contaminated rodent droppings or saliva.
Reports state that the 95-year-old Oscar winner Hackman later died of cardiac issues. Officials claim that he also had advanced Alzheimer’s disease, which contributed to his passing. Unfortunately, there were even reports that the Behind Enemy Lines actor was unaware that his wife had died.
Earlier this week, more details about the case came to light, including bodycam footage that showed police entering the house and discovering the murders of Arakawa and Hackman.
Officials also revealed that Arakawa had done several Google searches in her final days as the infection spread.
Upon examining her computer, it was discovered that the classical pianist had searched for medical issues related to COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms between February 8 and the morning of February 12. She wanted to know if COVID may cause dizziness or nosebleeds.
Hackman also found a number of handwritten notes he wrote to Arakawa, the majority of which are signed off as “Love, G”.
According to reports, the messages, which said, “Morning lovely girl, thinking of you and the other little guys,” were found scattered throughout the couple’s property. Love G.
Hackman apologized in another for asking Arakawa to help with a birthday dinner:
“Good morning. Happy birthday, several days after your birthday. Although I sincerely appreciate your help, I apologize once more for the dinner and for requiring it. G, you, and the men are all loved.
In a third note, Hackman appears to mock his own health issues.
“Ho, Ho, I am going to see the Wizard, the Wizz of Achie, Pokie,” the late actor wrote. “It seems like she stabs me everywhere—here and there, everywhere.”
But since I will still be alive, I shall survive. But sometimes it’s just barely. Love G.
According to Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, Hackman’s pacemaker had its most recent recorded incident on February 17. Arakawa is believed to have passed away a few days prior.
I hope you find peace. Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.
