Gene Hackman’s love letters to his wife written amid dementia battle revealed by authorities

Following the conclusion of an investigation into the death of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, authorities have shared a series of love letters penned by the late actor.

The couple were initially found on February 26th at their home in Santa Fe with a police report ruling out any possibility of foul play. During the investigation, it was discovered that Hackman’s pacemaker had been inactive since February 17th, which suggests he’d been dead for nine days before his body was found.

Both of them were discovered by a maintenance worker in two separate areas of the house. Although one of the couple’s dogs was also found deceased on the property, two of their other dogs were found perfectly healthy elsewhere in the house.

Hackman’s pacemaker also revealed it had not detected any activity since February 17th, indicating that he had passed away nine days before his body was discovered.

Arakawa was acting as a carer for Hackman, and upon her passing due to hantavirus, he was unable to look after himself, which led to his passing.

Now, the Los Angeles Times have shared a series of letters written by Hackman, which provide an insight into their close relationship. In one doting article, he wrote, “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”. Hackman signed it off by saying, “Love whats his name.”

Hackman also opened up about visiting a doctor for medical assistance, writing in a poem, “I’m off to see the wizard, the wizard of achie pokie. She stabs me here, she stabs me there, she stabs me almost everywhere.”

He continued his letter by powerfully writing, “But I’ll survive, because after I am still alive. (But sometimes just barely) Love G.”

Another letter from Hackman celebrated Arakawa’s birthday, in which he wrote, “Happy several days after your birthday.” He also apologised, adding, “Sorry still about the dinner and having to ask for your help although it was appreciated.”

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