Gene Hackman was ‘unable to call for help’ after his wife Betsy Arakawa died a week before him because he did not own a mobile phone, close friend reveals
Gene Hackman could not call for help when his wife died because he did not own a mobile phone, a close friend revealed last night.
Post-mortem results show the Oscar winner’s wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, died on February 11 at their New Mexico home from a flu-like infection caught from rat faeces.
Hackman, 95, died there a week later from heart disease, with his advanced Alzheimer’s ‘a significant factor’. Their bodies were found on February 26.
Tom Allin, a long-time friend of the couple, said Hackman did not have a phone and was ‘uninterested in technology’.
A source said: ‘This is so sad. Mrs Hackman died and Gene was so far advanced with his Alzheimer’s that he was wandering around and didn’t eat.
‘If he didn’t have a phone he couldn’t have called for help, even if he’d wanted to.’
He was found on the floor of one room while his wife was 20 ft away in the bathroom. No food was in his stomach.
Medical examiner Dr Heather Jarrell said: ‘It’s quite possible that Mrs Hackman died and her husband was not aware that she was deceased.’ Their dog Zinna was also dead when the Hackmans’ bodies were discovered.
Zinna, 12, had been locked in a crate after having a medical procedure. There was no food in its stomach. Two other dogs who were roaming free at the home survived.
The source said: ‘Hackman was so advanced with his Alzheimer’s he didn’t realise Zinna was locked in the crate.’
New Mexico officials announced Friday that Betsy Arakawa died of a rat-borne virus close shortly after February 11, while Gene is believed to have passed away on February 18 of severe heart disease.
But Doug Lanham, Hackman’s close friend and former business partner, expressed disbelief that the 95-year-old couldn’t call emergency services in the seven days after his wife fell to the ground on their bathroom floor.
‘We all knew that he was in the late stages of Alzheimer’s. But he was still doing his writing and painting,’ Lanham told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview.
‘That makes no sense. It’s very strange,’ he said, his voice shaking with emotion at the shocking news.
‘For me personally, it’s even more bizarre. I just can’t comprehend it.’
Lanham met Hackman around 2004 and the two became close friends, with Gene investing in his Santa Fe restaurant Jinja for over a decade.
In a horrific twist, autopsies revealed Arakawa, 65, died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome on February 11.
Hackman, 95, died about 7 days later, around February 18, before the couple’s mummified remains were found in separate rooms of their $3.8 million Santa Fe home on February 26.
Dr. Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Investigator for the state of New Mexico, said their deaths had both been ruled as natural, and that no signs of internal or external trauma were found.
Their dog Zinna, who was found dead near Arakawa, was picked up from a veterinary hospital on February 9 after undergoing a procedure, which may explain why it was found in a kennel, according to authorities.
When questioned by reporters, Jarrell also said that it was likely that Hackman didn’t even realize his wife had died due to his advanced Alzheimer’s.
Arakawa is said to have died first on February 11 due to her infection, which initially presents with flu like symptoms.
A CDC source told DailyMail.com that while the couple’s main home did not show any signs of rodent activity, some of the property’s outbuildings – including a garage and two casitas – had rodent droppings and other evidence of rodent activity.
Hantavirus is typically is reported in spring and summer, often due to exposures that occur when people are near mouse droppings in homes, sheds or poorly ventilated areas.
While hantavirus is found throughout the world, most cases in the U.S. have been found in western states.
The virus can cause a severe and sometimes deadly lung infection. Symptoms can include coughing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest.
The mortality of the hantavirus strain in the south west of the United States is about 38% to 50%, and is not transmissible from person to person, Dr Jarrell added.
Jarrell said there was no reliable method to get an exact time for death, but concluded that Hackman probably died around February 18.
In a full timeline of events, officials said that Arakawa had picked up their dog Zinna from a vet hospital after the dog underwent treatment on February 9.
On February 11, they said she had an email conversation with her massage therapist before later in the afternoon going to a farmers market.
She was caught on CVS surveillance footage shortly after the market, before then going to a local pet food store.
Her car was then seen on surveillance entering the gated community at 5:15pm on February 11.
Officials said that numerous emails went unopened on February 11, and that there was no further communication from her account after that day.
Detectives are still waiting on retrieving her full cell phone data, but said her last known activity was February 11.
Officials also said that Zinna had been found dead inside a crate in their residence, and was likely put in it after her treatment.
Hackman was discovered lying on the ground of a mud room just off the kitchen with his sunglasses and cane nearby, indicating he may have fallen according to officials.
Lucky Items for Each Zodiac Sign in 2025 ✨🔮
As we step into 2025, each zodiac sign has a special item that can attract good luck, positive energy, and success. Here’s what you should keep close to maximize your fortune this year!
♈ Aries (March 21 – April 19) – Red Bracelet 🔴
Aries is ruled by Mars, the planet of action and energy. A red bracelet (especially made of string or beads) will enhance their confidence, bring protection, and boost their luck in new ventures.
♉ Taurus (April 20 – May 20) – Jade Stone 💚
Taurus thrives with stability and prosperity. A jade stone (as a ring, necklace, or charm) will attract financial growth, emotional balance, and good health throughout 2025.
♊ Gemini (May 21 – June 20) – Silver Pendant 🩶
Geminis are quick thinkers and communicators. A silver pendant (especially in the shape of a feather or key) will help them stay focused, improve luck in decision-making, and attract new opportunities.
♋ Cancer (June 21 – July 22) – Moonstone 🌙
Ruled by the Moon, Cancer benefits from a moonstone (as a ring, bracelet, or charm) to enhance intuition, emotional stability, and protection from negative energy.
♌ Leo (July 23 – August 22) – Gold Coin or Sun Charm ☀️
Leos love to shine, and a small gold coin or a sun-shaped charm will enhance their charisma, bring career success, and help them maintain their leadership energy in 2025.
♍ Virgo (August 23 – September 22) – Amethyst Crystal 💜
Virgos thrive on clarity and precision. An amethyst crystal (as jewelry or a small pocket stone) will help them reduce stress, attract wisdom, and maintain mental balance.
♎ Libra (September 23 – October 22) – Rose Quartz Heart 💗
Libras seek harmony and love. A rose quartz heart-shaped stone will boost romantic luck, improve relationships, and help them maintain inner peace throughout the year.
♏ Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) – Obsidian Stone ⚫
Scorpios are powerful yet need protection. A black obsidian stone (worn as a ring or bracelet) will shield them from negative energy and strengthen their intuition in 2025.
♐ Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) – Horseshoe Charm 🧲
Sagittarians are adventurous and lucky by nature. A horseshoe charm (as a necklace or keychain) will enhance their good fortune, protect them during travels, and attract exciting opportunities.
♑ Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) – Tiger’s Eye Bracelet 🐅
Capricorns are hardworking and goal-oriented. A tiger’s eye bracelet will bring strength, focus, and career success while protecting them from negative influences.
♒ Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) – Evil Eye Amulet 👁️
As a visionary sign, Aquarius can attract envy. Wearing an evil eye amulet (as jewelry or a keychain) will protect them from negativity and enhance their innovative energy in 2025.
♓ Pisces (February 19 – March 20) – Seashell Charm 🐚
Pisces is deeply connected to water and intuition. A seashell charm (kept in their pocket or as a necklace) will bring emotional balance, enhance creativity, and attract good fortune.
✨ Which lucky item will you carry in 2025? ✨ 😍